Curacao

Gaming License

Requirements for Curaçao gaming license

To get a Curaçao gambling license, a company must register locally, have a local office and representative, submit key documents (IDs, clean criminal records, address proof, resumes), and meet all regulatory requirements. 

Plus, at least one physical server hosting your platform must be located in Curaçao. The CGA requires local access to critical player data during audits. Meanwhile, local hardware requirements are still under development. We highly recommend verifying current obligations at portal.cga.cw before launch.

At the same time, the regulator applies some requirements for a website of an applicant. 

First, every Curaçao-licensed operator must display the following on their website at all times: legal entity name, Curaçao Chamber of Commerce registration number, and CGA license number.

The CGA checks this through its portal. Missing any of these can trigger a compliance notice.

Checking the current standing is possible through the Seal system. The CGA issues a digital seal that players can click to verify your license status in real time:

• Green — active license

• Blue — B2B license

• Grey — suspended

• Black — revoked

Your seal must be displayed on every page of your website. Furthermore, the CGA can update your seal status remotely, so players see any change immediately.

If you are applying for a Curaçao license, your Terms & Conditions need to meet new binding standards. The regulator is actively checking compliance through its portal. Non-compliance can result in warnings, fines, or license revocation.

The updates include:

• Players must give active checkbox consent at registration. Implied consent no longer qualifies.

• T&C must be one click away from your homepage, registration, and account pages at all times.

• You must store full version history and log which version each player accepted.

• KYC, AML, account blocks, withdrawals, bonuses, and crypto flows all require explicit disclosure in your T&C.

• Your current T&C must be uploaded to the CGA portal.

How to Start a Gambling Company in Curaçao

Registering a company in Curaçao is a straightforward process, but there are specific legal and administrative processes to go through.

Step 1. Choose The Type of Company

To establish a company in Curaçao, you must register one of two corporate entities:

• Private Limited Liability Company (BV): Suitable for most businesses, including online gambling. 

• Public Limited Liability Company (NV): Used for larger businesses or those planning to go public. 

The company must have a registered office in Curaçao and appoint at least one local representative for administrative purposes. 

Step 2. Prepare Incorporation Documents

To register a company, the following documents are required:

• Company name: Must be unique and approved by the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce.

• Articles of Association: This legal paper covers the company’s structure, ownership, and rules of operation.

• List of Shareholders and Directors: A minimum of one shareholder and one director is required. They can be individuals or legal entities.

• Registered Office Address in Curaçao: Every company must have a local office address.

• Local Representative: A Curaçao-based service provider is often required to act as the company’s local representative.

Step 3. Notarization of Company Formation

A Curaçao notary must draft and notarize the Articles of Association. This step is required for both BV and NV companies. If the founders are not physically in Curaçao, they can sign via power of attorney.

Step 4. Register with the Chamber of Commerce

Once notarized, the company must be registered with the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce & Industry. This step makes the business legally recognized in Curaçao. The registration certificate will include company registration number and details of the business structure and ownership.

Types of licenses for Gambling in Curaçao

Curaçao provides three primary types of licenses: B2C (Business to customer), B2B (Business to Business), and B2B2C (for hybrid operations).

The B2C license is designed for businesses that serve end-users directly, such as online casinos, poker, sports betting, and lotteries. The license allows operators to manage wagers, payouts, and player accounts.

The B2B license is ideal for businesses that aim to become service providers to the gaming industry. With this license, they can offer tools, platforms, and software for B2C operators. Services may include gaming platforms, white-label solutions, payment gateways, or even systems for managing affiliates. 

The B2B2C license is designed to operators who both supply technology to other operators and offer games directly to players. Requires compliance with both B2B and B2C obligations simultaneously.

Overview of Curaçao Gambling License

Curaçao is a small island in the Caribbean with a major influence in the gambling industry. Due to its tax-friendly environment, it has become a business haven over time. Since 1996, Curaçao has been issuing licenses to gambling operators worldwide. 

In December 2024, the jurisdiction completed its biggest regulatory overhaul in 30 years. The old licensing-sharing system, which included a master license and sub-licenses, was replaced with a new licensing framework issued directly by the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA). This reform strengthens supervision by authorities, makes sure compliance with AML/KYC standards, and enhances player protection.

A Curaçao gambling license remains popular for online gaming operators due to its affordability, flexibility, and global reach.

Renewing Curaçao Curaçao License

Under the LOK framework, all Curaçao gaming licenses are now issued and renewed directly by the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA). The old NOOGH system and the sub-license model were replaced on December 24, 2024, when the LOK came into force.

To renew your license, you must stay compliant with all CGA requirements, submit a renewal application through the CGA online portal, and pay the annual fees by January 19 each year.

Annual fees under LOK:

• Application fee (one-time, non-refundable): EUR 4,592

• Due diligence fee: EUR 130–260 per person

• Annual license fee: EUR 24,490

• Domain fee: EUR 250 per domain per year

• Base annual cost: EUR 47,450 (license fee EUR 24,490 + supervisory fee EUR 22,960), not including fees for domain and due diligence process.

If you miss a payment or fall out of compliance, your license can be suspended or revoked. The CGA enforces deadlines strictly, budget and plan accordingly.

Gambling Regulations in Curaçao

For decades, Curaçao gaming licenses operated under the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH). That framework has now been fully replaced.

On December 24, 2024, the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) officially came into force. The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) is now the sole body responsible for issuing licenses, enforcing compliance, and overseeing all online gambling operations in Curaçao.

What changed under LOK:

• All licenses are now issued directly by the CGA; master licenses or sub-licenses no longer exist. 

• B2C and B2B licenses are strictly separated

• Stronger AML, KYC, and player protection requirements apply

• Operators must comply with the updated Player Complaints Policy and provide access to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services

Operators must provide access to a CGA-certified ADR provider for unresolved disputes. Response timeframes are set out in the CGA Player Complaints Policy — check the current version at portal.cga.cw.

COMPARISON WITH OTHER LICENSES

Compare the Curaçao Gambling License with other major jurisdictions in terms of cost, processing time, and regulatory requirements.

The Future

Curaçao has completed its biggest regulatory overhaul in 30 years. The LOK framework is now fully in force, replacing the old system that allowed master license holders to issue sub-licenses to hundreds of operators.

The result is a cleaner, more credible jurisdiction. Licenses are now publicly registered, compliance standards are stricter, and the CGA has real enforcement powers. This makes Curaçao-licensed operators more trustworthy in the eyes of banks, payment processors, and players.

For operators, this means higher entry standards but also stronger legal standing and better long-term stability. If you’re evaluating Curaçao as a jurisdiction, you’re looking at a regulated, internationally recognized framework, not a shortcut.

Cryptocurrency friendliness

Curaçao-licensed operators may accept cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency platforms can apply for the same license as fiat-based ones without needing additional permissions for crypto use.  Terms and conditions must address delisted tokens, chain forks, and transactions involving sanctioned wallet addresses.

Restricted countries

The Curaçao license prohibits operators from accepting players based in the USA, France, Australia, the Netherlands, FATF-blacklisted countries, and Curaçao itself. There are also “grey” countries where targeting players is allowed but not recommended due to potential regulatory uncertainty.