Offshore gaming licensing

Curaçao gaming licence

Reformed under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), Curaçao now issues operator licences directly rather than through master-licence sublicensing. A widely recognised mid-tier option with a clearer compliance framework than its predecessor regime.

DirectOperator licences from the CGA

8–16 weeksIndicative time to licence

All verticalsUnder one licence

Local presenceRequired

RegulatorCuraçao Gaming Authority (CGA)
Legal basisLandsverordening op de kansspelen (LOK)
TimelineIndicatively 8–16 weeks
TaxProfit tax applies; rate depends on structure

Overview

Curaçao has been reformed. The old model, in which a handful of master licence holders issued sublicences, has been replaced by direct licensing from the Curaçao Gaming Authority, with a clearer compliance framework and real supervision.

That makes it a stronger option than its historic reputation suggests, while remaining considerably lighter than an EU licence. It sits in the middle of the market: more scrutiny and more credibility than an entry-level regime, less cost and less obligation than Malta.

Operators moving from an old sublicence should not assume continuity. The new regime has its own requirements, and the transition has caught out operators who treated it as a renewal.

Who supervises it. Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), operating under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK).

What the licence covers

Online casinoSportsbookPokerBingoLotteryeSportsVirtual sports

Licence types

B2C operator licence

Direct authorisation to offer games of chance to players.

Corporate and beneficial ownership disclosure
AML/CFT and KYC framework
Responsible-gaming policy
Local substance and a resident representative

B2B supply licence

For platform and content suppliers serving licensed operators.

Business model description
Operator agreements
Game and RNG certification

Who can hold it

A Curaçao company with the appropriate corporate objects.
Beneficial ownership disclosed and evidenced.
Fit-and-proper assessment of directors and owners.
Demonstrable local substance, including a resident representative.

What you need to provide

Company

Certificate of incorporation
Articles of association
Register of directors and shareholders
Ownership structure chart
Proof of registered office

Each individual

Certified passport copy
Proof of address
Police or good-conduct certificate
Professional or bank reference
Curriculum vitae
Source of funds evidence

Compliance policies

AML/CFT policy
KYC procedures
Responsible-gaming policy
Player terms and conditions
Privacy policy
Business plan
Game and RNG certification

The reformed regime expects a fuller compliance file than the old sublicence model. Budget more preparation time than the historic reputation of the jurisdiction suggests.

How the process runs

STAGE 01

Scoping and structure

Confirm the licence type and corporate structure, including the local presence the regime requires.

STAGE 02

Company formation

Incorporate the Curaçao entity and put the registered office and representation in place.

STAGE 03

Due diligence

Fit-and-proper evidence for directors and beneficial owners, with source-of-funds documentation.

STAGE 04

Compliance pack

AML, KYC and responsible-gaming frameworks, terms, privacy policy and business plan.

STAGE 05

Submission

File with the CGA and respond to review questions.

STAGE 06

Licence issued

Authorisation granted and operations may commence.

Compliance and ongoing obligations

While you hold the licence

Maintain local substance and representation throughout the licence term.
Ongoing AML/CFT obligations and reporting.
Report changes of ownership and control.
Keep player-protection and responsible-gaming measures current.
Periodic reporting to the CGA.

Markets you must block

NetherlandsUnited StatesUnited KingdomFranceCountries requiring a local licenceSanctioned countries

Indicative. Confirm the current position with the regulator, and remember that a Curaçao licence does not authorise you in any market that requires its own.

Questions operators ask

Is the old master-licence model gone?

Yes. Licences now come directly from the Curaçao Gaming Authority rather than through sublicensing, with correspondingly more supervision.

Do I need a presence in Curaçao?

Yes. The reformed regime expects genuine local substance, including a resident representative — this is a real change from the old model.

Is it accepted by payment providers?

More widely than entry-level regimes, less universally than an EU licence. Confirm with your intended providers.

General information, not advice. This page describes a licensing regime in general terms and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Requirements, processing times and restricted-market lists change. A licence is granted only by the regulator, after its own review and due diligence — never by us. Last reviewed 6 September 2026.

Considering Curaçao?

Tell us what you are building and which markets you need. We will come back with an honest view of whether this is the right route.

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