Curacao eGaming

Curacao iGaming Licence 2025: In Depth Guide for Operators

Since 1993, Curacao has been a major destination for online gambling licences. In 2025, it remains a popular choice, especially for crypto friendly and globally focused gaming operators. With the introduction of the LOK (Landsverordening op de Kansspelen) framework, Curacao has overhauled its regulatory model to align with global standards while retaining its appeal as an efficient and flexible licence jurisdiction. This guide explores the latest changes in licensing, benefits, costs, compliance, player protections, and practical steps to obtaining a licence in 2025.

A New Regulatory Era: Why Curacao Still Matters

Curacao has one of the longest established online gambling frameworks, with the Offshore Gambling Ordinance introduced in 1996. The old model of sub licences issued under four main master licences was formally abolished in late 2024. Now, the Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) is the sole licensing body and issues licences directly to operators and suppliers.

The regulatory improvements include:

• More than 220 provisional licences already issued

• A forecast of 600 new licensees by 2026

• Alignment with European AML and KYC requirements

• Mandatory local presence, including physical offices and local staff within a set timeframe

Understanding the Dual Licence Structure

The new system simplifies the licence types:

B2C Licence: For casino, poker, sportsbook, and other platforms offering games directly to players.

B2B Licence: For game developers, platforms, payment processors, hosting companies, and other suppliers.

Both licences are valid for 12 months and must be renewed each year with full compliance checks.

Benefits and Limitations of a Curacao Licence

Key Benefits:

• One licence covers all verticals including slots, poker, bingo, and sports betting

• Friendly towards cryptocurrencies, including tokens and wallets

• Short licensing process, typically 8 to 12 weeks

• Corporate tax capped at 2 to 4 percent, no VAT

Key Limitations:

• Cannot legally target players in the US, UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, or Australia

• Annual costs are now higher due to compliance and staffing

• More rigorous reporting and player protection obligations than before

New Requirements Introduced by the LOK Reforms

The updated legislation includes:

• Direct licence applications through CGA

• Physical presence with at least one Curacao based employee in year one and up to four by year five

• Mandatory responsible gambling measures including deposit limits, time reminders, and account lockouts

• Enhanced reporting standards, quarterly audits, and financial statements

• Real time data sharing with the CGA via secure systems

Application Timeline and Step by Step Process

1. Incorporate Locally: Establish a legal entity in Curacao

2. Secure Office Space: A requirement under the new framework

3. Prepare Documentation: AML policies, ownership diagrams, internal controls, and audit certifications

4. Submit Online Application: Upload documents to the CGA portal

5. Licensing Decision: After background checks and interviews

6. Receive Licence and Begin Operations

Estimated Costs in 2025

Compliance and Player Protection Measures

Curacao has stepped up its focus on consumer safety and responsible gambling. Operators must now implement:

• Age Verification: Players must be 18 or older and submit ID verification

• Self Exclusion Tools: Available directly in the user account menu

• Deposit and Session Limits: Users can set daily, weekly, and monthly caps

• Timeouts and Cool Off Periods: Allows players to pause play temporarily

• Dedicated RG Pages: Including signs of addiction and help links

• Fund Segregation: Operators must keep player balances separate from company funds

• Security: Encryption and data retention policies are mandatory

• Dispute Resolution: A structured complaints process reviewed by the CGA

These changes ensure that Curacao licence holders provide a safe gaming experience and align with modern regulatory expectations.

Is It Worth Getting a Curacao Licence?

You should consider applying for a Curacao licence if you:

• Want to target global markets excluding the UK, USA, and EU

• Plan to operate a crypto or alternative payment friendly platform

• Seek a licence in under three months

• Are willing to invest in long term compliance and local presence

You should explore other options if you:

• Need to target regulated markets like the UK or Germany

• Want higher brand trust in Europe

• Do not wish to manage local operations or audits