Updated: August 2025
GBO: Your Trusted Partner for Securing Your Curaçao Gaming License in 2025
Obtaining a Curacao Gaming License is the first step to launching a successful online casino or betting platform.
At GBO, we have been assisting gaming operators since 2009 with a complete turn-key solution:
company incorporation, banking, AML compliance, and white-label platforms. With hundreds of satisfied clients,
we deliver a smooth, fast process (typically 2–3 weeks) at transparent and competitive costs—so you secure your
Curaçao license quickly, reliably, and with full professional support.
GBO: Simplifying Curacao Gaming Solutions
- Offering:
Complete package: AML policies, corporate framework, Policies, procedures, and security to the new regulation requirements.
- Professional Expertise:
As a leading corporate company in the gaming industry since 2009, we bring unmatched professionalism to every project.
- Customized Solutions:
We understand the challenges of choosing the right systems and components, and we’re here to tailor perfect solutions for your specific needs.
- Hassle-Free Onboarding:
When you contact us, expect a swift response with everything you need to kickstart your gaming endeavors without worry.
- Streamlined Banking Access:
Partnering with us grants you easy access to banking services, ensuring smooth financial transactions and operations.
The New Curacao Gaming License Requirements – a GBO Analysis
Curacao is reorganizing its gambling industry and is ready to issue new licenses to operators in November 2024. Our analysis suggests that this projected change, referred to as “essential” by Finance Minister Javier Silvania, is similar to the Malta gaming licensing system.
What aspects of Curacao’s gaming licensing laws are changing?
Information is still developing. We have, however, stated several requirements following our review of the new criteria and procedure. These will likely be improved once the licensing arrangement is clarified. The new regulations emphasize compliance and AML. AML rules, company setting, banking, and merchant services are all part of our full license package.
Key Conditions
- Licensees are required to constantly uphold information security standards. They must deliver audited security policies to the GCB within six months of receiving a license, according to the GCB’s specifications, employing an auditor that the GCB has approved. Additionally, they need to have their hardware and software security checked by a third party with GCB approval.
- Licensees must maintain player account policies and submit audited versions of those policies to the GCB upon request and within six months of licensing.
- It is crucial to have consistent payment transaction protocols. Upon request from the GCB and within six months, audited policies must be provided with the GCB.
- Licensees must maintain responsible gaming practices and present audited plans to the GCB whenever requested and within six months.
- For fairness, every game operated by the licensee requires independent lab approval.
- Within six months of receiving their licenses, licensees are required to submit certification proof to the GCB upon request and in accordance with GCB policies.
Our services comply with these requirements, guaranteeing that you fulfill all requirements for licensure.
The New Curaçao Gaming License: Updated Application Process and Regulations
In the evolving online gaming landscape, obtaining a legitimate license is crucial for businesses seeking credibility and compliance. Curaçao’s regulatory framework has undergone significant updates with the introduction of the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), which came into effect on December 24, 2024. This new legislation replaces the previous National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH) and establishes modernized processes and requirements for licensing.
Key Changes Under the LOK
- Transition Period:
- Applications submitted before December 24, 2024, will be processed under the NOOGH regulations.
- Applications submitted on or after December 24, 2024, must comply with the updated LOK provisions, which include:
- Payment of an application fee.
- Completion of revised application forms.
- Provisional Licenses:
- Existing NOOGH licenses will be automatically converted into provisional licenses under the LOK.
- Specific conditions for these provisional licenses will be announced soon by the Gaming Control Board (GCB).
- Temporary Suspension of New Applications:
- From December 24, 2024, at 12:01 AM Curaçao time, the GCB will temporarily halt the acceptance of new applications.
- A date for reopening the application process under LOK will be announced.
- New Application Requirements:
- Revised application forms and additional requirements will ensure enhanced compliance with global standards.
- Further details on the updated requirements will be published by the GCB.
Core Objectives of the Licensing Process
The Curaçao gaming license aligns with internationally recognized standards, focusing on:
- Prevention of Unlawful Activities: Mitigating risks such as fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing.
- Player Protection: Safeguarding players, including minors, and ensuring responsible gaming practices.
- Fairness and Reliability: Ensuring the integrity and transparency of gaming operations.
- Compliance with International Standards: Meeting updated KYC, AML, and CFT requirements.
Business Plan for Curaçao Gaming License Applications
A well-structured business plan is a critical component of the licensing process under LOK. This includes:
- Executive Summary: Outlining business goals and vision.
- Business Description: Legal and operational details.
- Market Analysis: Insights on customer segments and competitors.
- Marketing Strategy: Plans for player acquisition and retention.
- Operational Plan: Detailing workflows and technological infrastructure.
- Management and Personnel: Team structure and responsibilities.
- Regulatory Compliance: Strategies to adhere to Curaçao’s gaming laws.
- Financial Projections: Revenue and profitability forecasts.
- Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating business risks.
- Technology Plan: Infrastructure and cybersecurity measures.
- Product Portfolio: Description of gaming services.
- Player Protection Measures: Policies for responsible gaming.
- Exit Strategy: Planning for future transitions.
Decision Timeline and License Duration
- Application Decision: The GCB commits to processing complete applications within a specified timeline under LOK.
- License Validity: Licenses granted under LOK will be subject to updated durations and conditions, which will be clarified as part of the new regulations.
Summery ok LOK
The introduction of the LOK represents a transformative step for Curaçao’s gaming sector. By modernizing its regulatory framework, Curaçao ensures that gaming operators meet global standards while fostering a safe, transparent, and trustworthy environment for online gaming. Businesses seeking a Curaçao gaming license must adapt to these changes to maintain compliance and credibility in the competitive online gaming industry.
We have a tremendous experience in online gaming operations and we can help you setup all the necessary corporate and financial structures and acquire the necessary Curacao online gambling license.
Curaçao Gaming License Requirments and Conditions
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Companies must be registered in Curaçao.
- A local director is required for legal compliance.
- Transparent disclosure of ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) is mandatory.
- License Scope:
- Covers a broad range of online gaming services, including sports betting, casinos, and lotteries.
- Allows up to 40 domains under the standard license.
- Compliance Requirements:
- Operators must implement anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) measures.
- Comprehensive policies, such as responsible gaming, data security, and financial transaction transparency, are mandatory.
- Regular reporting to the GCB is required.
- Termination and Revocation:
- The GCB reserves the right to suspend or revoke licenses for non-compliance.
- Licenses are subject to renewal based on adherence to regulatory requirements.
Curaçao Gaming License Requirements
- Company Registration:
- A company must be established under Curaçao law with a registered office in Curaçao.
- Director and Shareholder Details:
- Transparent identification of ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs).
- A local director is mandatory for compliance.
- Compliance Policies:
- Required policies include Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Responsible Gaming, and Information Security.
- Operational Guidelines:
- Safe storage of player data and secure transaction processing.
- Regular maintenance of gaming equipment and software.
Restricted Countries for Curaçao Gaming License
The license prohibits offering gaming services to:
- Residents of Curaçao.
- Individuals under 18 years of age.
- Players in countries where online gaming is restricted:The Curaçao gaming license has minimal country-specific restrictions. License holders are prohibited from accepting players from a few countries, including the USA, France, Australia, the Netherlands, and Curaçao itself. Beyond this, compliance primarily involves adhering to standard KYC, AML, and CFT regulations, similar to those governing online casinos worldwide.It is important to note that Curaçao casinos are not responsible for tracking players who register from unrestricted regions and access the platform via VPN connections.
Key Benefits of the Curaçao Gaming License
- Cost-Effective: Competitive pricing compared to other jurisdictions.
- Ease of Setup: Streamlined registration and compliance process.
- Global Reach: Ability to operate internationally, subject to local laws.
Why Choose Curaçao for Your Gaming License?
With its straightforward application process, transparent requirements, and comprehensive regulatory framework, Curaçao is an ideal choice for startups and established businesses in the online gaming sector.
How Much Does a Curacao Gaming License Cost?
You can expect a Curacao gaming license to cost between (Mandatory Services): EUR 73,400–88,900, depending on the exact corporate structure. This fee includes all the necessary steps to be undertaken to get your online gaming operation up and running, including:
The New Curaçao Gaming License fees
Establishing your presence in the gaming industry with the new Curaçao Gaming License involves a streamlined process with the following services and costs:
Curacao Company Formation Services
- Holding Company Incorporation: Establishing a holding company to manage your license.
Price: EUR 3,300 (includes corporate documents and courier services).
- Annual Maintenance: Covers registered office services and a resident agent in Curaçao.
Price: EUR 2,800 per year.
- Local Executive Co-Director: Required by Curaçao law for company operations.
Price: EUR 2,800 per year.
Total for Company Formation: EUR 8,900.
License Application Fees
- License Preparation and Management: Includes registration, compliance, and due diligence processes.
Price: EUR 3,000.
- Business Plan Preparation (Optional): Creation of a business plan and financial forecasts required during the application.
Price: EUR 5,000.
- KYC Policies Development (Optional): Preparation of nine required policies for regulatory compliance. This includes Information Security, AML, and Responsible Gaming policies, among others.
Price: EUR 9,000 (includes 60 hours of legal work; additional hours charged at EUR 100/hour).
Total Application Costs: EUR 3,000–17,000 (depending on optional services selected).
License Fees (Curaçao Gaming Commission Board – GCB)
- First Year:
- License Approval Fee: Payable upon approval.
Price: EUR 18,500.
- Annual License Fees: Payable monthly in advance.
Price: EUR 3,600/month (EUR 43,200 annually).
- Second Year and Onwards:
Price: EUR 5,000/month (EUR 60,000 annually).
- Domain Inclusion: Covers up to 40 domains. Each additional domain costs ANG 500.
- Optional Services Total: EUR 34,900–42,300 (includes nominee shareholder, nominee director, power of attorney, local Curaçao director, physical office, corporate account opening, and crypto merchant account opening).
Total Price Calculation
Mandatory Services
- Company Formation: EUR 8,900
- License Application Fees: EUR 3,000–17,000
- First Year License Fees: EUR 18,500 (approval) + EUR 43,200 (annual fee)
Subtotal (Mandatory Services): EUR 73,400–88,900
Recurring and renewal costs for a Curacao gaming operation
The initial fees charged for all services by GBO include the first year’s operations of the Curacao holding company from the date of registration.
After the first year, there are several recurring charges and fees, including:
- Renewal of the Curacao company license, including government fees, legal fees and stamps
- Renewal of the European company license, including legal fees, government fees and stamps
- Renewal of the sub-license on contract from the Master License holder
- Payment of Curacao resident agent fees
- Payment of Curacao registered office costs and all the other associated business costs
- Renewal of general liability insurance, professional liability insurance and other associated insurance covers.
These charges are bundled into GBO’s fees for annual services.
The table below set out the current pricing for the services. This is not a binding quote. You should discuss this with a GBO officer in order to negotiate a final quote and contract for the full services.
| Document |
Description |
Cost |
| Passport |
Valid passport |
By the client |
| Utility Bill/Proof of Address |
Accepted Documents: Water, Electricity, Landline Telephone Bills, TV Cable Bills, Bank Statement, Office Government Correspondence |
By the client |
| Bank Reference Letter |
Must be signed by a bank representative; letter must be addressed to “To whom it may concern” |
By the client |
| Professional Reference Letter |
The letter must be provided by a lawyer or accountant; must include their name in English, position, and signature |
By the client |
| Copies of all current software agreements |
List your software agreements and other main function agreements |
By the client |
| Company renewal |
Renewal of documents with the register |
4,000 – 6,000 |
| License renewal |
Renewal of the gaming license |
10,000 – 13,000 |
| * Certifications must be in ENGLISH. If not, then the certification must be translated to English and certified as a true copy. |
Curacao Sublicense Validity & Expiration (Transition to Direct Licensing)
The GCB has clarified that the historic master licenses will not be renewed beyond their listed expiry dates.
Operators that have filed a complete application for a direct government license and are still awaiting a decision
may receive a temporary Certificate of Operation (COO) to continue operating during the transition.
| Master Licensor (ML) |
Expiry Date |
| Gaming Services Provider NV |
18-Aug-2024 |
| Cyberluck Curaçao NV |
01-Oct-2024 |
| Antillephone NV |
28-Nov-2024 |
| C.I.L. Curaçao Interactive Licensing NV |
31-Jan-2025 |
Notes: A COO during the transition may be shown via an Orange Digital Seal; fully licensed operators receive a
Green Digital Seal. Always verify the seal and certificate details.
Curaçao Licence Application Process
Applying for a Curaçao gaming license involves several crucial steps to ensure compliance with local regulations and international gaming standards.
The Curaçao license application process includes establishing a legal entity in Curaçao, preparing the necessary documentation, and meeting the due diligence
requirements set by the regulatory authorities. With recent regulatory changes, applicants must demonstrate strong operational policies, responsible gaming
measures, and financial stability to secure approval. At GBO, we simplify the entire licensing journey by guiding you through every step—from
company formation to final approval—ensuring a seamless and efficient application process.
FAQ (2025)
What are the advantages of the Curaçao gambling license?
- Curaçao is one of the world’s oldest, most politically stable and reputable iGaming jurisdictions.
- Favourable overall cost structure vs. many alternatives.
- Fair and transparent dispute-handling culture.
- Single license can cover multiple verticals (sports betting, casino/table games, poker, lotto).
- Lower total cost of ownership compared with many reputable jurisdictions.
- Business regulation is less restrictive than in many alternatives, allowing faster go-to-market.
- Strong IT/hosting ecosystem for online gaming (private racks, cloud, dedicated servers, etc.).
What is the online Curaçao e-gaming licensing authority?
The government of Curaçao issues gaming licenses allowing operators and providers to conduct activities such as casino, lotto and related services.
Following recent reforms, direct licensing is overseen under the modern regulatory framework, with the transition from the historic master/sub-license model.
What is the level of Curaçao corporate taxing?
A BV company operating in the E-Zone can pay a corporate income tax rate of about 2% (subject to eligibility
and substance), with no restriction on dividend distributions. It’s essential to set the structure correctly from the start—our team can guide you end-to-end.
What taxes apply to gambling operators?
Curaçao does not levy a separate statutory GGR tax; operators are generally taxed on net corporate profit. With the correct structure,
many operators qualify for the E-Zone regime (~2% CIT). Always seek bespoke tax advice for your specific business and markets.
Compliance highlights:
- Maintain a full audit trail for every depositing player, including financial transactions and wagers.
- Make complete system details and back-end logs available to auditors when requested.
- Avoid unethical marketing or advertising practices.
Restricted markets: Operators are responsible for understanding local laws in target territories. Historically restricted countries have included Australia, the ABC territories, France, the Netherlands, certain Caribbean islands, Singapore, Spain, the UK, the USA, and any jurisdiction where Curaçao declares online gambling illegal.
How long does it take to get a Curaçao online casino license?
Timelines depend on documentation completeness, technical readiness, and regulator workload. Typical cases range from several weeks to a few months.
We front-load due diligence and structure to keep the process as fast and predictable as possible.
How to apply and do I need to apply for multiple types of Curaçao gambling licenses?
Apply through us—we manage company setup, compliance, and submission. In most cases, a single direct license (with add-ons where relevant)
covers the main forms of online gaming (casino, poker, sports betting, lotto, etc.). We scope your verticals and advise if any additional authorisations are needed.
Curaçao e-gaming license costs:
- Incorporation of a local entity (formation, corporate docs, government fees, registered office/agent, courier).
- Annual company renewal (government fees, registered office/agent, corporate maintenance).
- License fees (application, annual license, due diligence, technical/hosting requirements).
- Optional services (nominee shareholder/director, compliance support).
- Payments & banking (merchant onboarding, PSPs, bank accounts for settlements and payouts).
Contact GBO for a transparent, itemised quotation aligned to your scope and target markets.
How do I get a Curaçao gaming license?
Your application can cover the activities you plan to operate, such as:
- Sports betting
- Casino games & table games
- Bingo
- Slot machines
- Video poker
- Other card games
- Lotteries
We map your verticals to the correct scope and compliance controls before submission.
How do I get a gambling license in Curaçao?
We guide you through each step—entity setup, AML/KYC policies, technical standards, and application filing—so that,
assuming timely responses and complete documentation, you can be live within a practical timeframe.
How are Curaçao’s gambling laws set?
The legal framework is defined by government legislation and overseen by the competent licensing authority.
Recent reforms modernised the regime and strengthened compliance, reporting and responsible-gaming obligations.
GBO provides tailored guidance to ensure your operation fits within the current rules.
What must I know about the Curaçao gambling commission?
The competent authority (licensing/supervision) is designated by the Government. As the regime transitions from the historic master/sub-license model,
day-to-day processes are handled via the official licensing portal and designated authority. We keep you aligned with the current regulator’s requirements.
