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A gaming licence is essential for legally operating an iGaming business, as it provides legitimacy, facilitates the opening of a bank account and guarantees cooperation with leading gaming providers. The Curaçao licence is one of the most popular due to its advantages, including cost-effectiveness and simplified issuance procedure. Obtaining this licence ensures the reliability and financial stability of your online casino — thus ensuring smooth operation and sustainable business growth.
What else should you know about obtaining a Curacao license?
Who issues licenses
Gambling licences are issued by the relevant state authorities, usually the Gambling Commissions. Each country sets its own rules and requirements. Among the most popular and accessible options is the Curaçao licence, which attracts operators with its simplicity and benefits. The Curaçao licence has become the industry standard for high-risk gambling. Since 1999, the Curaçao Gambling Control Board (GCB) has regulated licences and the entire industry, including pioneering online casinos.
What is the attraction of a Curaçao licence? Why do many people see it as a solid foundation for the development of online gambling business? First of all, the high level of trust, access to international markets and strict player protection laws.
The Curaçao licence provides a convenient and clear structure with two main types: B2B (for service providers) and B2C (for player operators). The document is issued for up to 5 years and is subject to renewal in accordance with changes in legislation. Compliance is monitored by the Curaçao Gambling Committee (CGCB).
The Curacao license characteristics and cost
Being a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curacao is situated not far off from Venezuela. Curacao was the first country in the world to legalize gambling. Since 1996, Curacao has been the most popular jurisdiction to run online gambling businesses. In July 2023, the Ministry of Finance announced a new licensing regime and in April 2024, the Parliament of Curaçao approved the new LOK legal framework. The main reason is great licensing conditions and affordable cost. For example, B2C license is available for only €54,893 with less than 2% profit tax until 2026 for companies registered in the E-zone.
Securing an appropriate license not only demonstrates your commitment to transparency and integrity, instilling confidence among your player base that your gaming platform upholds the highest standards of fairness, safety, and security, but it also grants you access to integrate offerings from premier providers such as NetEnt, Evolution, Play’n GO, and other industry-leading developers who prioritize partnerships exclusively with licensed operators.
Furthermore, obtaining licensure is essential for establishing seamless collaborations with reputable payment processors, most of whom require regulated status before facilitating transactions.
Secure your licensing today and elevate your gambling business with confidence, credibility, and premium game integrations.
The Curacao license advantages
The Curacao jurisdiction is the most favorable option for obtaining a license, owing to the following 5 advantages:- Zero VAT for maximum savings
- Less than 2% profit tax to boost your profitability
- Affordable license fees
- One comprehensive license covering all gambling services
- B2C license is available for only €54,893.
License obtaining requirements
Requirements for obtaining a license:
- Company registration in Curaçao with a local representative.
- Description of all types of gaming activities.
- Development and publication of the terms of use on the website.
- Registration of a unique domain name.
- Deployment of at least one physical server in Curaçao.
- Implementation of anti-money laundering (AML) policies.
- Regular software audits.
- Acquisition of a RNG (Random Number Generator) certification.
The license obtaining process
The stages of obtaining a licence:
- Creation of a local legal structure. Registration of a B.V. or N.V. company with integration into the E-zone and obtaining a legal address.
- Appointment of qualified representatives — director and local agent, which ensures compliance with the regulator's requirements.
- Obtaining prior approval from the master licence holder.
- Submission of an application for a sub-licence. Includes preparation of a full package of documents, payment of state duties and payment of a fee to the holder of a master licence to confirm the status of an operator.
- Obtaining a decision on the issuance of a sub-licence to legally operate a gambling business.
How to make obtaining a license simpler
Being the process of obtaining a Curacao license relatively easy, one can come across difficulties when dealing with it on his own. Solving these problems and the reissuance can be protracted, so if you want the license obtaining process to be smooth and quick, contact specialists. In addition, if you open a White Label casino, you can work under the license of a company which has developed it, so you won’t need to get your own license. If you want to know more about licensing your online casino, use a free professional consultation.Curacao’s Crackdown on Illegal Gambling Sites (Update 2025)
News of changes to the licensing of gambling operators in Curaçao has been announced for the second quarter of 2023. The island of Curaçao was previously one of the most popular gambling zones in the world, offering attractive conditions for online casino operators, but the country has been home to more than 12,000 illegal gambling sites, which account for around 40% of all illegal gambling in the world.
In 2023, Curacao made important changes in gambling licensing: from September, it is forbidden to transfer licences to third parties and the industry will be fully under the control of a new body, the Curacao Gaming Authority. The standards for obtaining a licence have been tightened, with an emphasis on integrity, reliability and security. Sub-licences are disappearing and transparency and player protection are being prioritised.
