Curacao Gaming License: Full Guide for 2025

Online gambling is booming. Entrepreneurs and operators have a chance to get in on the action. But entering this crowded market requires more than a great platform or new games — it needs the right license.

In 2025, the Curacao Gaming License is one of the most accessible and cost-effective ways to get a legal presence in the iGaming world.

This guide will walk you through the process of getting a Curacao Gaming License in 2025. From understanding the types of licenses available to the application process, we will break it down for you.

What is a Curacao Gaming License?

A Curacao Gambling License is a regulatory approval that allows operators to legally operate online gambling from Curacao, a Caribbean island. This license is issued by the Curacao Gaming Authority and is recognized worldwide, so it’s a popular choice for gaming companies.

History of Curacao License

The laws of Curaçao on gambling have undergone changes since 1996, when Curacao first introduced online gambling regulations. Over the years, it has adapted to changes in the industry in order to keep its laws relevant and support new technologies and gaming trends.

Until 2023 Curacao casino license was divided into 2 types: a general license and a sublicense. General licenses were issued by the Ministry of Justice for 5 years and covered all gambling activities, allowing the holder to issue sublicenses. Previously, iGaming businesses had the option to choose more affordable sublicenses from master license holders. Sublicenses were valid as long as the general license was active.

But in 2023, the sublicense system was abolished and a new licensing format was introduced under the Curaçao Gambling Authority (CGA). These changes were recommended by the Netherlands to create a unified regulatory framework and to boost the jurisdiction’s reputation in the licensing world.

Types of Curacao Gambling Licenses

There are 2 types of Curacao online gaming licenses in 2025: B2B and B2C. Let’s discover their capabilities:

New Rules for Online Gambling License in Curacao

In 2024, new rules regarding the obtaining a license were introduced in the gaming sector. On July 15th, 2024, the national GCB portal (The Curaçao Gaming Control Board) resumed its work. A few months later, the Curaçao parliament approves the new LOK regulatory framework.

The LOK Law has brought some big changes to the online gambling license of Curacao:

• A new national regulator, the Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) will be in charge;
• Operators can now apply for a gambling license online using a web-portal;
• B2B and B2C online casino licenses are now only valid for 1 year, with the option to renew;
• The Curacao Gambling License does not allow offering any goods or services not related to licensed gambling;
• Companies need to have a physical presence in Curacao;
• The GCB’s regulatory and supervisory tasks have been transferred to the CGA;
• The government will have full access to all data of all companies holding a Curacao gambling license;
• Stricter inspections for companies launching an online casino;
• Any company applying for a gambling license must be registered in Curacao;
• The sublicense system has been abolished, the last master license will expire on January 31, 2025.

Regulatory Restrictions for Licensees in the Gambling Industry in Curacao

Operators licensed in Curacao must adhere to strict regulations established by the Gaming Control Board (GCB), which oversees licensing and compliance in the gambling sector. Noncompliance with these rules can result in severe penalties, including the loss of the license. It is crucial for operators to fully understand and follow the restrictions outlined below.

All these restrictions are aimed at preventing fraud and maintaining honesty and transparency in the gambling industry. Curacao online gambling license holders must strictly follow these rules to maintain their status and prevent legal violations.

How to Get a Gaming License in Curacao?

To obtain a Curacao gaming license, you need to follow the rules. First, you need to register a legal entity, it may be the E-zone where companies have a 2% income tax.

You only need one founder to open a company, but you need to have a local address. There’s no minimum capital requirement. Once you have registered your company, you need to gather all the documents and pay the registration fees.

Applicants for a gambling license need to fill in 3 documents:

1. Questionnaire for online games;
2. Business and corporate information form;
3. Personal history document.

The review process for a gambling license can take up to 6 weeks. Before the license is granted, the Technical Compliance Department will verify the domain name and gaming platform.

To ensure that applicants meet all the licensing requirements, the authorities in Curacao ask for a full list of documents to prove reliability and compliance.

Note: In order to get the Curacao betting license, all the documents must be provided in English or translated into English.

Process of Obtaining a Gambling License in Curacao

 Let’s take a look at all the 5 steps of getting the license in gaming industry:

1. Company Registration

The first step to get a gambling license in Curacao is to register a company on the island.

When registering your company you will need to meet certain requirements, including a minimum amount of authorized capital, appoint directors and at least one board member must be a resident of Curacao. Shareholders can be located anywhere in the world. All documents including the company charter must be submitted to the local Chamber of Commerce for approval.

How to register your company, you will find below in the article.

2. Preparation and Submission of the Application with Required Documents

Once your company is registered the next step is to fill in the official application form and gather the necessary documents that prove financial stability and business reputation. Applying for a gambling license in Curacao requires a business plan where operators must clearly state the services they will offer and how they will be delivered.

You will also need to provide evidence of your software security. A separate document for your “responsible gaming” policy is also required. All of these are part of the gambling licensing process in Curacao.

3. Regulator Review

The Gaming Control Board reviews the application to see if the company meets all the requirements. Registering a gambling business in Curacao involves multiple interviews and thorough background checks of the owners, including criminal records and source of income. This process can take from a few weeks to several months.

4. Getting a NOOGH temporary permit

If approved, the applicant gets a temporary permit. At this stage, licensing in Curacao allows the operator to start commercial activities, but they are closely monitored by the regulator to ensure compliance with the standards.

5. Converting a temporary license to a full LOK license

If no issues are found during the verification period, the NOOGH can be upgraded to LOK. From that moment on, the company can enjoy all the benefits of full licensing including participation in affiliate programs with top game content providers.Once you get a permit, it’s valid for a limited time. To stay legal you need to renew your Curacao license on time. This involves submitting updated company information, financial statements and proof of compliance. Renewing the license shows the regulator you are transparent and follow the rules.

How to Register a Company in Curacao?

In Curacao, the most common types of company for gaming are public limited liability companies (NV) and private limited liability companies (BV).

1. NV (Naamloze Vennootschap)

A noncommercial partnership is similar to a joint-stock company in other countries. It can issue bearer shares and shares with a fixed nominal value. The minimum capital for an NV is 50,000 Antillean guilders (approximately $27,760). An NV can be founded by one or more founders, and its shareholders can be individuals and corporate entities. The company is managed by a Board of Directors appointed by the shareholders.

2. BV (Besloten Vennootschap)

A BV is similar to a limited liability company in other regions. The minimum capital to register a BV is just 1 Antillean guilder, making it a good option for small businesses. Like the NV, a BV can have one or more founders and is managed by one or more directors.

Directors of both NV and BV can be residents or non-residents of Curacao. The liability of the founders is limited to their contribution to the authorized capital.

While registering a BV is generally easier and has less management requirements, NV companies have more stringent accounting and reporting obligations.

Cost of Curaçao Gaming License

If you have limited budget or want to run an international casino from anywhere in the world, a Curacao license can be a good option. The fast licensing process allows you to start quickly.

The total cost depends on the services your business will offer. Note that the Curacao gambling licenses fees have increased recently. The initial fee is $5,000 and the annual fee is $15,000.

The initial fee covers the application processing, documents verification, initial audits and other administrative tasks. The annual fee covers ongoing inspections, responsible gaming regulations compliance and other regulatory duties.

Having a Curacao online casino license also allows you to open a European bank account or integrate a payment system for your casino.

Benefits of Applying for a Curacao Gaming License

The online-gambling market is growing — more players, more revenue, more opportunity. A Curaçao license isn’t just a tick box; it’s a launchpad that gives you:

• Safety: Expand and innovate without the fear of legal headaches — your license sets the rules;
• Banking access: No license = no business account. With Curaçao approval, you get access to banks and payment processors that don’t deal with unlicensed operators;
• Instant credibility: Display the Curaçao seal and players know you’ve been vetted. Trust is earned in seconds;
• Reputation boost: Fair play and transparency aren’t just buzzwords — they’re your license’s promise to the market, and your brand’s reputation;
• Premium partnerships: Top game studios and payment gateways deal with licensed operators first. Your Curaçao license gives you the keys to their door;
• Wide market coverage: It is difficult to list the Сuracao gaming license countries. It is easier to mark the GEOs that do not approve it: the USA, Germany, France, Australia, and the Netherlands.

In summary, a Curaçao license gives you everything you need to scale a successful iGaming business.