Gambling License in Curacao
A gambling license in Curacao is a profitable and affordable solution for running a gambling business, thanks to its relatively fast processing time, low tax rates, and reasonable cost. Gofaizen & Sherle offers professional support for licensing your gaming business in Curacao so that you can get your project up and running in no time.
If you are planning to legally conduct a gambling business in one of the most reputable jurisdictions for this direction, a Curacao gambling license will be the best choice. You will need to register a company in Curacao, prepare the necessary package of documents, pay license fees, and meet a number of requirements of the regulator.
Curacao is a self-governing state that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which enhances its international image and opens access to European markets while maintaining its independence in creating its own laws and tax policy.
Curaçao grants only one license, which covers different types of online gambling. The licensing system has been reformed, and a temporary NOOGH (National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard) license is now available, which will eventually convert into a full license by LOK (Landsverordering op de Kansspelen) if all requirements are met. Master licenses will no longer be issued, and only the new licensing format through the Curacao Gaming Authority will remain on the market.
Advantages of the Curacao gambling license
Quick clearance
The new licensing process aims for fast processing despite the reforms. Although the suspension temporarily slowed down the issuance of gambling licenses in Curacao, once approved by NOOGH, the process became consistently swift. The regulator utilizes an online portal to submit and manage applications, simplifying the processing.
Simplified rules and flexibility
Curaçao continues to offer startups and existing companies a simplified and less rigid licensing system. The reform aims to modernize and simplify procedures for operators, removing the complexities associated with sub-licenses.
Universal license
With LOK, there are still plans to issue a single Curacao gaming license covering a wide range of gambling activities, including casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and poker, allowing operators to offer a variety of services under one license. The main change is the disappearance of the sub-license system, making the license more structured and centralized.
Robust legal oversight and data security
The Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB) provides oversight for strict requirements, including measures to protect player data and security requirements. All games must be made available to players in a secure manner without service interruptions.
Strict monitoring and reporting
Holders of gambling licenses in Curacao are required to maintain separate records for games, submit reports, and comply with administrative reporting requirements. This ensures transparency and complies with international standards, which builds trust with clients and partners.
Tax advantages
Curaçao offers some of the most favorable tax conditions for gambling businesses. Low tax rates and the absence of VAT allow operators to increase profits and utilize resources for development.
Disadvantages of the Curacao gambling license
Despite the significant advantages of the Curacao gambling license, it may not fully meet the requirements of some operators.
- It is important to keep in mind that with this license, you will not be able to legally provide services in the markets of the Netherlands, USA, and France, as these countries do not recognize this license. Licenses from jurisdictions such as Malta or the Isle of Man may be suitable for entering international markets with a higher level of regulation, although they are more expensive to obtain and maintain.
- Although Curaçao’s new LOK regulatory framework aims to strengthen data protection and security measures, some players may still prefer jurisdictions with stricter privacy and security standards, which may affect their credibility.
Requirements for obtaining a Curacao gambling license
- The company must be registered with the Curacao registry, have a registered office and a local representative to interact with the regulatory authorities, and fulfill the license requirements.
- A detailed description of all types of games offered must be provided, which must comply with the transparency and security requirements set by the Gaming Control Board (GCB).
- The company’s website must include rules of use, including terms and conditions, responsible gaming policy, complaint procedures, and restrictions for minors and Curaçao residents.
- A unique domain must be created and registered with GCB. The license covers up to 40 main domains, and additional domains are subject to additional fees.
- The company must have Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) policies in place and implemented by NOIS and NORUT regulations. All transactions and player accounts are subject to monitoring.
- Regular technical audits of software status must be conducted and reported to the GCB. Licensees are required to report critical changes and security incidents in a timely manner.
- A Random Number Generator (RNG) certificate is required to ensure the integrity of the games. All games provided by the operator or third-party suppliers must be certified by an independent testing laboratory by international standards.
Process for obtaining a gambling license in Curacao
If you have decided to open a company in Curacao and want to obtain a Curacao online gambling license, follow these steps for successful licensing:
Registering a company in Curacao
Stage 1
The first step is to establish a legal entity in Curacao, as the license can only be issued to a company registered in this jurisdiction. This also includes opening a local office.
Preparation and filing of documents
Stage 2
The company needs to prepare a full set of documents, including incorporation documents, business plans, data on owners and key persons, as well as references on reputation (e.g., confirmation of absence of criminal record). It is also important to provide information on financial sources and ownership structure.
Apply through the GCB portal
Stage 3
Once the documents have been prepared, the application is submitted through Curaçao’s Gaming Control Board (GCB) online portal. This step requires filling out forms, uploading documents, and registering the main domains on which the company will operate.
Go through the verification and due diligence process
Stage 4
The Gaming Control Board conducts a due diligence process to verify the documents and individuals associated with the company for security, reputation, and financial stability. This process includes thorough checks to prevent money laundering and meet security standards.
Pay the license fee
Stage 5
To complete the process, you must pay the license fee. The standard fee is ANG 120,000 (€61,200) per year, with monthly installments of ANG 10,000 (€5,100). Additional domains require payment of an add-on fee.
Installation and inspection of gaming equipment
Stage 6
The license must demonstrate that all gaming equipment and software meet international security standards and pass an information security check. This includes both physical and virtual equipment used to run the games.
Regular reporting and license renewal
Stage 7
A license is issued for one year, after which a renewal application is required. The licensee is required to submit regular reports to the GCB and comply with all conditions, including key person updates and financial statements.
These steps will help the company to successfully complete the process of obtaining a Curacao gaming license to start legal gambling activities.
Request more information about Curacao Gaming License
Types of Curacao Gaming License
Under the provisions of the new LOK (Landsverordering op de Kansspelen) law, the previous structure of master licenses and sublicenses has been replaced by a more transparent and stringent system. Gambling licenses are now issued directly by the Curaçao Gambling Control Board (GCB) and are divided into two main types:
- B2C (Business-to-Consumer) license.
It is intended for operators who provide gambling directly to players. This type of license includes companies offering online casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and other gambling-related services to end users.
Operators with a B2C license are required to comply with responsible gaming standards, player data protection, and anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing requirements.
- B2B (Business-to-Business) license.
Designed for companies that provide services and technology to B2C operators. This includes software vendors, game developers, and other companies serving the gaming industry.
The B2B license allows such companies to cooperate with operators providing services to players while complying with the security and transparency requirements set by the Gaming Control Board (GCB).
These licenses are issued for an unlimited period of time, subject to continuous monitoring and compliance with strict regulatory requirements.
Request additional information about the Curacao Gambling License
Updates to Curacao Gambling License in 2024
In 2023, a new independent regulator, the Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA), was established, replacing the Gaming Control Board (GCB) and becoming the sole body responsible for regulating and issuing licenses for B2C and B2B operators. Until the transition to the new system, the GCB continues to be the primary regulatory body to ensure transparency and integrity of operations, protection of player interests, and compliance with international standards, including anti-money laundering (AML) and player data protection.
At the moment, the gambling industry in Curaçao is regulated under the National Ordinance on Offshore Gambling Hazards (NOOGH), which sets the rules for granting licenses and defines the requirements for operators. However, with the introduction of the new Landsverordening op deKansspelen (LOK) law, there is a shift to a more modern regulatory framework aimed at increasing control and transparency in the industry. The main innovations envisioned by LOK include:
- Abolition of the sub-license system.
Previously, operators could obtain a sub-license from general license holders, but with the introduction of LOK, each provider is required to obtain a license directly from the CGA. This improves transparency for operators and increases regulatory oversight.
- Introduction of B2B and B2C licenses.
The new law introduces two types of licenses – B2C for end-user operators and B2B for companies serving the industry, such as software vendors. This separation allows CGAs to more precisely control different activities.
- Enhanced AML and KYC requirements.
Operators are required to implement comprehensive anti-money laundering and customer vetting measures to help prevent criminal schemes and enforce fair play.
- Mandatory physical presence.
Companies obtaining a gambling license are required to have a registered office in Curaçao. This allows the CGA to effectively monitor operators and protect player data.
These changes transform Curaçao into a modern, highly regulated gambling licensing center, which significantly increases the confidence of international operators and players. The new LOK law permanently abolishes the old sub-license system and sets strict requirements for all Curacao gaming license holders. Curacao thus takes an important step towards becoming a world-class leading jurisdiction, on par with such prestigious markets as Malta and the Isle of Man, and cementing its reputation as an attractive and safe place for legal gambling.
Renewal of a Curacao Gaming License
The following requirements must be met to renew a Curacao gambling license:
- The licensee must comply with all policies and procedures established by the Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB), including anti-money laundering compliance and player protection requirements.
- Application for license renewal is made through the GCB portal. The application must be submitted in advance to ensure the continued validity of the license.
- The GCB conducts a compliance review, including key persons, financial strength, and security compliance.
- A license fee of ANG 120,000 (approximately €60000) must be paid.
It is recommended to apply for license renewal at least 30-60 days before the expiration of the current license (license validity is 1 year) to avoid interruptions in its validity.
Suspension or Revocation of a Curacao Gaming License
According to Article 17, the GCB may suspend or revoke a Curacao gambling license in the following cases:
- Violation by the licensee of the provisions of the LBH, the conditions of the license, or the requirements of NORUT, NOIS, and SNO.
- Suspicion of violation of law such as money laundering, fraud, terrorism, and other offenses.
- Failure of the licensee to meet financial obligations to players.
- Failure to provide or misrepresent important information to the GCB, including false or misleading reports.
- Using players’ credit facilities inappropriately.
- Lack of financial strength to pay prizes to players.
- The licensee has been declared bankrupt, declared insolvent, or self-requests license revocation.
- The licensee has not commenced operations within six months of receiving the license.
Before suspending or revoking a license, the GCB will give the licensee a chance to defend its rights as long as it does not jeopardize the interests of the players or the public.
FAQ about Curacao Gaming License
What is Curacao gambling license?
Curacao gaming license is an official authorization for gambling companies to operate legally. Having a license will enhance the reputation of the business and protect it from penalties.
How do I get a gaming license in Curacao?
To obtain a gaming license in Curacao, you must register a company on the island, apply to the GCB, meet anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing requirements, appoint key staff, and pay an annual license fee of ANG 120,000.
Is it legal to gamble in Curacao?
Yes. Gambling is officially authorized in Curacao. The government regulates the sector and ensures that gambling companies provide proper services.
How long does it take to get a gambling license in Curacao?
The GCB decides on an application for a Curacao gaming license within 2 months of its submission, provided all the necessary requirements are met.
How does the Curacao gaming license compare to Malta?
Unlike Curacao, holding a Maltese license is significantly more expensive in terms of opening, government fees, and taxes. In addition, Malta offers four different types of licenses depending on the activity of the company; one Curacao license covers all types of gambling.
What type of license do you need to play gaming in Curacao?
You do not need a license to play gambling in Curacao. The license is open only for gambling suppliers.
What is the cost of a gambling license in Curacao, including taxes and fees?
The cost of obtaining a Curacao gambling license depends on the client’s project, the type of activity, and the end goal. On average, the cost of a license is about 60,000 € per year, to which is added a monthly fee of about 5,500 €. In addition, the cost of renting a local office, paying employees, and other operational costs must be taken into account.
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