How to Get a Curacao iGaming Licence

Your hard-earned money deserves safety, especially when exploring casino platforms exterior the GamStop network. While non-GamStop casinos can provide thrilling opportunities and broader gaming choices, distinguishing respectable operators from questionable ones requires knowing precisely what to search for. The distinction between a correctly licensed platform and a rogue operator might imply the distinction between secure entertainment and financial catastrophe.

Initial application fees start at EUR 4,592, with additional charges for each ultimate beneficial owner (EUR 150), qualified shareholder (EUR 150), and listed ultimate beneficial owner (EUR 2,551). Applying for a Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) License follows a clear framework set out under the new National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK). Whether you are seeking a B2C or B2B license, the process is structured to ensure legal, technical, and compliance standards are met. Yes, Curaçao is considered acrypto-friendly jurisdiction, allowing licensed operators to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies.

Operators can choose between a master license (for direct operation and sublicensing) or a sublicense (ideal for startups and operators without sublicensing needs). UK casinos not on GamStop often display a number of licenses from totally different jurisdictions, making thorough verification important for each listed authority. The official regulator web sites present search capabilities that permit gamers to substantiate whether non GamStop sites are working inside their approved parameters and maintaining good standing. This cross-referencing process helps establish any discrepancies between what the casino claims and what the regulatory authority actually confirms about their licensing status. Curacao e-Gaming offers licenses continuous assistance with regulatory compliance, ensuring that they remain informed and in conformance with AML and player protection regulations. No taxes are payable on gross gaming revenue generated by companies operating online and registered in the e-zone.

A few disadvantages of obtaining Curacao license

However, businesses must still comply with AML and financial reporting obligations. The initial application fee is approximately €4,600, with an annual licensing fee of €24,530. Additional costs include due diligence fees, corporate registration fees, and operational expenses such as local representation and office maintenance. It costs 60,000 ANG (approx. ,000) to set up a “master” gaming license in Curacao.

Lastly, advertising and marketing practices are heavily monitored so that they don’t target minors or vulnerable individuals, ensuring maximum user protection. Access to the Playson catalogue and other reputable game developers becomes more seamless, allowing operators to expand their portfolios while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. The introduction of the GCB has significantly boosted player confidence in the Curaçao licensing system.

Given the legal context, staying informed about current requirements is key to ensuring compliance and effective adaptation to potential changes. This small Caribbean island, nestled within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is a true powerhouse in online gambling and other business sectors. Contact EM Group today to ensure your compliance and success under the LOK framework. The National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) introduces a modernized framework for Curaçao’s iGaming sector, reshaping compliance, licensing, and local presence requirements.

Online Gaming Portal

The minister assured that Curacao is going to remain an important player in the online gaming industry. For the time being, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft version of changes to the legislation and sent them for approval to the Social Economic Council. After that, a decision of the Council of Advice and the Parliament will be needed. According to Regulated United Europe experts, it will be at least 6 months before the new Curacao license is valid. The only basic demands of the Curacao licensees in respect of responsible gaming legislation have been mentioned in the Island Ordinance Casino Sector Curacao.

Assessing the impact of these changes on the industry and Curacao as a whole is challenging, and time will be the fairest judge. However, steering towards a more transparent and secure entertainment sector will likely enhance players’ trust in iGaming. For Curacao, these developments are not just beneficial but also a long-awaited step in its evolution. Curacao exemplifies a business heaven, uniting a range of industries and niches such as tourism, oil refining, cargo handling, light industry, and financial services. The developed business environment and favourable tax conditions make it a preferred choice for offshore operations by many businessmen.

The popularity of your gambling platform depends on the accuracy of the customers’ needs figuring out and standing out as an attractive company among other market representatives. So suppliers of services for the gambling industry representatives are its focus group. If you are a software seller or a game developer, this kind of the Curacao license suits you best. While these strategies enhance compliance, they do not replace the need for provincial licensing where applicable.

This legislation introduces a direct government licensing system under the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), enhancing transparency and compliance in the iGaming sector. After getting a license, it is highly recommended to mind the correct maintenance of it and to fulfil annual reports and payments. To make sure it all goes smoothly and your efforts are rewarded with a successful result, contact us to receive highly professional assistance. Even though there are many difficulties a company may face during the preparation process and applying for the license itself, the list of the benefits is significantly bigger than the one of disadvantages.

This formal agreement outlines the services, fees, and obligations of both parties during the licensing process. The licensing framework of Curacao e-Gaming is specifically designed to be cost-effective, with minimal annual maintenance fees that make it accessible and sustainable for both new and established operators. The above Casino or Sportsbook is licensed and authorized by the Government of Curacao and operates under the Master License of Gaming Services Provider, TH. They have passed all compliance and are legally authorized to conduct gaming operations for all games of chance and wagering.

These features demonstrate that a Curacao license provides a foundation of legal operation and player protections, but it does not inherently satisfy Canadian provincial licensing or regulatory requirements. Our team is dedicated to providing the information and support you need to succeed in the online gaming industry. Here, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our licensing process, regulatory framework, and services.

This new framework aims to increase transparency, compliance, and industry credibility, potentially leading to higher licensing fees and stricter oversight for new applicants. This clear separation between operational and service-based licenses enhances industry transparency while ensuring that all stakeholders meet Curaçao’s evolving compliance standards. These changes aim to strengthen the jurisdiction’s reputation as a reliable and well-regulated iGaming hub.

• The duration of the licensing process in Curacao can vary based on factors such as the completeness of the application, the complexity of the gambling operation, and the workload of the licensing authority.
• The Malta Gaming Authority stands as some of the respected licensing our bodies for non GamStop casinos, offering comprehensive oversight for casino sites not on GamStop that serve UK gamers.
• The country’s economy is not stagnant and is evolving in proportion to investors’ demands, striving to offer increasingly favorable conditions.
• The CGA also evaluates the company’s financial position and overall business viability.
• As a result, consumer dispute resolution may take longer, and regulatory interventions are less frequent compared to more tightly controlled jurisdictions.

Unlike many other jurisdictions that require separate licenses for different types of gambling, Curaçao offers a single-license system, allowing operators to run casino games, sports betting, and lotteries under one regulatory umbrella. Additionally, the perceived lack of strict regulatory oversight can make it harder for platforms to build trust with players and payment providers. Compliance requirements, including AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies and specialized payment processing structures, add further complexity to operations. James Smith is an established gambling specialist with more than 15 years of experience in the industry.

Curaçao is one of the most famous jurisdictions in the world that provide licenses for conducting gambling business. Such documents in this offshore location attract numerous operators due to their availability, ease of obtaining, and relatively low cost. Now, let’s look at what annual fees are curacao casino paid to maintain a license for gambling activity in Curacao and what other expenses license holders may incur. While there is only one type of license available for all forms of gambling businesses, the application and other requirements for its operation vary based on the type of gambling games the operation offers. For instance, free-standing or stand-alone land-based casinos are not permitted in Curacao. For a land-based casino to be granted a license, it must be a complimentary amenity of a hotel catering to tourism.