What Is a Curacao Gaming License?
The island’s online-gambling regime started with the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH) in 1993. Since December 2024 the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) has replaced the old law and upgraded supervision under the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (soon the Curaçao Gaming Authority, CGA).
LOK ends the historic master/sub-licence model and lets the GCB issue permits direct to B2C operators and B2B suppliers. Existing sub-licence holders must register with the GCB by 31 March 2024 to keep trading.
Benefits of Obtaining a Gambling License in Curacao
The Curacao license continues to offer compelling advantages that make it attractive to gaming operators worldwide, even after recent regulatory reforms.
Cost-Effective and Quick Process
The Curacao gaming license remains one of the most affordable options in established gaming jurisdictions. The GCB charges a one-off ANG 9 000 (≈ €4 600) application fee. Moreover, most files clear in only eight weeks!
Low Tax Rates
Curacao offers one of the most favorable tax environments in the gaming industry with 0% tax on gross gaming revenue – the lowest in the world. Also operators pay only 2% profit tax when the right corporate structure is used.
One License Covers All Operations
Under the Curacao licence, operators have the liberty to offer a wide array of gambling activities. A single permit lets you run an online casino, sports betting, lottery, live games, and poker for worldwide markets. Operators can diversify their offerings and adapt to market demands without requiring additional licensing approvals.
Ideal for Startups and Established Operators
The jurisdiction appeals to both new entrants and established operators seeking global market access. Setup outlay of roughly €20 000 remains lower than Malta, Gibraltar or the Isle of Man while compliance rules now align with FATF AML standards.
Types of Curacao Gaming Licenses
The regulatory framework has evolved with the implementation of the LOK legislation, transitioning from the previous master and sub-license system to a more structured approach.
Master License
Granted between 1996 – 2014 to just four companies (1668/JAZ, 365/JAZ, 5536/JAZ, 8048/JAZ). No new master licenses will be issued under LOK, but legacy holders remain valid until sunset.
Sub-License
Sub-licenses were linked to master licenses and remained valid only while the associated master license was active. Issued by master licensees to thousands of online gambling operators; all must convert into direct GCB licences during 2024–25 transition.
The sub-license system provided flexibility and lower entry costs for operators, as master license holders offered bundled services including licensing, hosting, and technical support. However, this system lacked direct regulatory oversight and created inconsistencies in enforcement and player protection standards.
Other Types
LOK introduces B2B supplier licences and charity-game licences.
Requirements for Obtaining a Curacao Gambling License
The licensing requirements have become more stringent under the new regulatory framework, reflecting Curacao’s commitment to international compliance standards. Operators must demonstrate comprehensive compliance capabilities and maintain substantial operational presence within the jurisdiction. Therefore, the main requirements are:
- Local NV or BV company in Curacao
- Fit-and-proper tests on directors; police records and source-of-funds
- Technical audit of RNG and responsible gaming policies
- Anti-money laundering procedures in line with LID and LMOT ordinances
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain a Curacao Gaming License
The application process follows a structured approach designed to ensure thorough evaluation while maintaining reasonable processing timeframes.
| Stage | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| File application + pay ANG 9.000 | 1 | |
| GCB due-diligence & KYC | 14–28 | Extra time if many shareholders |
| Technical review & gaming policy check | 14 | |
| Decision & licence issue | ~8 weeks total | |
| Post-approval onboarding | Ongoing | Monthly reports, AML testing |
Costs Associated with Curacao Gambling License
The fee structure has also evolved under the new regulatory framework, reflecting enhanced oversight and compliance requirements. But license cost still remains among the lowest in any Tier-2 jurisdiction while the 2% corporate rate keeps overall gambling license cost competitive.
Initial Setup Costs
- Application: ANG 9 000
- One-off due-diligence fees: ANG 250–500 per person
- Incorporation & local management: €6 000–€10 000 (varies by provider)
Recurring and Renewal Costs
- Annual fee: ANG 48 000 (≈ €24 600) payable on issuance
- Monthly supervision fee: ANG 4 000 (B2C only)
- Domain fee: ANG 500 per year, unlimited domains
Potential Difficulties
Despite its advantages, obtaining and maintaining a Curacao gaming license presents several challenges that operators must carefully consider:
- Extra AML scrutiny if owners operate in grey-markets; past sanctions in other states may block approval
- Requirement to host core servers on the island or with an approved mirror.
- Exchange-control rules on gaming revenue repatriation under the Central Bank.
- Limited double-tax treaties versus Malta or Gibraltar.
Comparing Curacao with Other Licensing Jurisdictions
| Metric | Curacao | Malta | Isle of Man |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | €4 600 | €5 000 | £5 250 |
| Annual fee | €24 600 | €25 000 + revenue levy | £36 750 |
| Corporate tax | 2 % | 5 % on Maltese GGR | 0–1.5 % GGY |
| Approval time | ≈ 8 weeks | 12–16 weeks | 10–12 weeks |
| One-licence model | Yes | No | No |
Tax Implications for Curacao Gaming License Holders
The favorable tax environment remains one of Curacao’s most attractive features, providing significant cost advantages for gaming operators. Operators pay no gaming duty on gambling revenue; corporate profit tax is 2 % under the e-Zone regime. No VAT applies to offshore online gambling activities.
Summary
A Curacao license still offers a fast, affordable route into the global online gaming sector while the LOK upgrade brings stronger oversight and reputational gains. The single-permit format, lean tax burden, and eight-week approval window make Curacao a solid launchpad for both new and seasoned gaming operators.