How to obtain a Curacao gambling license in 2025

When starting a gambling business, each entrepreneur analyses the pros and cons of specific licensing options. As long as they can be local or international and cover various types of iGaming activities, the decision should be taken while considering all criteria possible.

Curacao is a part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, being a rapidly progressive and developing iGaming hub. Its license has been one of the most popular choices for the gambling businesses, especially for the ones that just started. It has been associated with opportunities and accessibility. The process of receiving this gambling license is efficient and straightforward. As soon as gaming companies can get it quite quickly, this is a beneficial choice for those who want to start a gaming business without a delay.

The Curacao gambling license is one of the most sought-after gambling solutions for particular reasons. In this article we will unveil the most important aspects of the subject and explain how to get Curacao gaming license in detail.

There are many logical reasons for it but one of the most crucial ones is that the Curacao gambling license covers many kinds of online games, it is a so-called one-size-fits all solution, which makes it highly attractive for entrepreneurs.

Online gambling licensing benefits

The Curacao gambling license is recognised to be one of high efficiency. Its popularity among iGaming operators can be explained by a business-friendly environment and a historically built stable reputation, which is recognized internationally. The Curacao license is believed to be quite accessible and to represent a great opportunity to various gambling companies including startups. Let’s proceed to further details of its undeniable advantages which keep it in high demand in the iGaming market.

Reasons to obtain a Curacao gambling license

The benefits of obtaining Curacao license are easy to spot. The level of the operators’ loyalty has been constantly growing through the years. And here are the most significant reasons for it:

• Trustworthiness. The reputation of a Curacao license is very good. It is considered to be one of the most reliable licences to obtain. So the name will speak for itself and attract customers and partners. Another reason for such a strong reputation is that the licenses have been given to operators since 2002 in Curacao.
• Speed and cost. Besides that it is quite quick to get, the Curacao gaming license cost is quite affordable compared to other types of licences at the gambling market. It may take around 6 weeks to obtain a license if there are no additional issues that emerge during the process.
• Simplicity of the process. It is believed to be easy to obtain. The operators can submit a request online, no personal presence demanded, and there is no need to worry about actual paperwork physically applied.
• Suitability for startups. For newly created companies that are just venturing into the iGaming industry, the Curacao gambling license is undeniably a beneficial choice. It is so because the environment is sensitively supportive to growth and innovation. The entry point is affordable and not as complex as other licensing solutions.
• Low taxation. Even though the Curacao taxation follows international requirements, it is pleasantly low due to the source of income origin. It is considered to be extremely competitive. As soon as the money is generated outside the country, the income tax is not high. It is around 0-4%, which makes it so advantageous for the operators. The taxation is applicable to the net profits only. So the local operators get undeniable benefits and save money for business development.
• One license covers all. This single license includes an extensive range of gambling-related activities due to the jurisdiction regulations. There is no need to get licenses multiple times for each particular kind of iGaming. It covers sports betting, casino games, online poker, bingo, lotto, live table games, eSports, scratch cards, online casino, games of chance, etc. This is especially good for the startups as they are constantly growing and need to be flexible in what they offer to the customers.
• Expansion for existing operators. Even experienced operators can benefit from getting the Curacao license, because it helps them to rapidly spread business activity to other geographical locations and market segments.
• Being flexible. The Curacao gaming license is believed to be very sensitive to the market needs, it is highly adjustable to the businesses’ pains and requirements. The interests of the iGaming companies have always been considered as important ones.
• Payments services access. Various payment solutions are available for those who have the Curacao license, ensuring a seamless transaction experience for the clients of the online casino. This is a huge advantage for the gambling company and its customers. The security of transactions must be high, the Curacao authorities care about players’ protection a lot.
• Centralised regulation. The Curacao Gaming Control Board (CGCB) is the authority responsible for regulations related to gambling activities.
• Cryptocurrencies usage. The Curacao license welcomes a crypto-friendly environment. The cryptocurrencies’ users can make betting without any obstacles. Taking into consideration the constant growth of the cryptocurrency’s popularity, this is one of the turning points for a gambling company.
• No strict software requirements. Even beta versions of online slots can be used. The Curacao regulations are innovation-friendly, the financial and technical barriers are almost absent, because the providers are subject to minimum software requirements.

These key factors are proof of a reasonable customers’ loyalty, which has been holding the leadership along with some other top licensors for years. It is an excellent choice for the operators as soon as its name talks for itself and guarantees players involvement.

What is required for getting a Curacao gambling license in 2025?

Curacao authorities value the reputation of the country and the license. They keep the status of a highly-respected gambling regulator. Your business has to meet strictly set Curacao gaming license requirements to match responsible gambling standards. The Curacao license follows these criteria, and it has constantly been improved and changed due to new specific regulations. The crucial values underneath the demands are legality, responsibility and integrity. Let’s get down to what is essential for your company to be able to get it. But first, let’s take into consideration which possible disadvantages you face and which gambling activities are covered in case of choosing it.

A few disadvantages of obtaining Curacao license

Even though there are not so many cons to consider, we will mention some important points. The following criteria can cause some discomfort to your business:

1. Restricted regions. The geography covered by the license is wide, but there are still prohibited areas. Due to strict local regulations, you will not be able to perform gambling business in Curacao itself (including other parts of the Netherlands), France, the USA, Germany, Australia. The list may extend according to new rules.
2. Regular changes. Even after obtaining a gambling license, operators should very thoroughly monitor the regulations and requirements renewals. The Curacao license, due to its flexibility and strict control, is being constantly improved. To be aware of all changes and to be able to work without any violation, you should keep focus on these changes.
3. Rising cost. Even though the Curacao gambling license cost has always been considered as one of the most affordable ones, the pricing is set to increase now. The estimated budget for the companies aiming at obtaining licences is not less than EUR 55,000 at the moment. We have done research and found out that most professionals think that the popularity of the Curacao license will only keep growing after this change.

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. The help of the expert is highly recommended to escape issues and optimize timing needed for getting a Curacao license.

Gaming activities covered by the license

Created especially for the gambling business operators, the Curacao license reasonably includes all features new startups and experienced operators require. It goes without saying that the Curacao license is a one-size-fits-all kind of license. It covers all gaming activities possible, such as eSport, online casino, games of chance, sport betting, online poker, lotto, bingo, live table games, online poker, as mentioned above.

There are basically two types of Curacao licenses – B2B and B2C.

The B2B license implies that the main focus point is the services provided. 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.

The B2C license type is more for a classic approach. It covers the interests of online casinos, sport betting and online games of all kinds. So it is appropriate for the companies, which interact with players.

How to meet criteria of getting a Curacao gambling license?

The application process can be done online, but it is quite complicated so the assistance of our expert team will be a guarantee of the application procedure smoothness. The Curacao license is issued by the GCB/CGA. There are crucial requirements of what you need to have to apply for it successfully. The corporate essentials are:

1. The local incorporation. Your company must be registered in Curacao. The presence of business as a legal entity is a must.
2. Games description. There must be an accurate description of games you are going to provide on your gambling platform.
3. The local representative. Appointment of the company representative among local inhabitants of Curacao is highly recommended. It helps to keep control on each stage of application and to ensure the compliance with Curacao’s regulations.
4. Domain rights. You need to show that the domain of your gambling website is owned by you.
5. Fit and proper tests. The suitability of applicants is guaranteed and checked by means of these measures.
6. Terms of use. The mentioning of all terms and conditions of the online platform website is required.
7. The AML implementation. The Anti-Money Laundering preventive measures should be applied to customers for ethical and legal business performance.
8. RNG certificate. The Random Number Generator certificate is needed in case of this feature’s usage. Besides, the games represented on the website should be with verified content only.
9. Physical server. You will need at least one server hosted in the Curacao jurisdiction to meet the criteria.
10. Technical performance. Every kind of the software used by the gaming platform must be accurately professionally checked.
11. Excluding the minors’ presence. The specific measures should be taken to prevent persons aged less than 18 from gambling experience. Only adults are allowed to have access to online gaming websites and activities. The restrictions are a must and ensure protection of minors.
12. Board of Directors creation. The gambling company’s business performance is usually operated by a Board of Directors. The nominee director can be chosen among the locals to help with solving possible arising issues.

These are just the main requirements. There are other less specific ones which are applied to every other license obtained. They include the KYC policies, some basic operational and technical requirements. Please, feel free to contact our experts for receiving more detailed information and the individual consultancy for your company’s specific needs.

The required documents to be prepared

When it comes to applying the documents, keep in mind what you need to prepare. The expected documents list is the following:

• A notarised copy of the international passport (including pages with a photo and a signature).
• The proof of the funds legal origin.
• Police Clearance Certificate (the one that proves the absence of a criminal record).
• Utility bill certified copy to verify the address of registration.
• A CV or a resume and a letter of recommendation.
• Letters of Reference both from the bank and the Accountant/Lawyer (originals).
• Details of Terms and Conditions and of the software you will use.

All documents must be applied in English (otherwise you can have another option – to provide certified translations into English). The consultation with the regulatory entities is required for getting the complete list of the documents needed due to constant changes and individual cases. The documents mentioned above are just the most essential ones.

The online forms for the Curacao gaming license application

Three forms are to be filled online for proceeding with an application process. These are:

1. The Personal History Disclosure Form.
2. The Online Gaming Application Form.
3. The Business and Corporate Information Form.

After these forms are correctly filled in and downloaded the review starts. To make sure it all goes smoothly and your efforts are rewarded with a successful result, contact us to receive highly professional assistance. The regulator’s review of your documents may take around two months.

The application process

Let’s get down to summarizing the actual application procedure. The gambling operator must follow such steps:

1. The incorporation of the Curacao-based company.
2. Starting a Bank Account.
3. Due paperwork preparation.
4. Feeting economic substance criteria.
5. The application of the forms online.
6. The future license maintenance (annual audit, taxes etc).

Even though the application requires professional knowledge, effort and funds, obtaining it creates a path of a company’s future growth, safety and market performance extension. The procedure is quite complex but with the help of experts it becomes just a challenge to be faced. It will take some time to complete the process but it will bring you great reputation and trust of customers.

Further steps of operating a gambling business 

1. Create a nicely designed branded platform

After registering your trademark make sure you have a smarty-designed branded platform which aligns with your company’s values and goals. The platform should be user friendly and attract new customers. Every detail matters. Monitoring the market and your competitors can be a turning point in choosing the most suitable design solutions for your gambling business.

2. Choose games for your online casino 

Choose the gaming options you want to provide your customers with. The gaming content used on your platform should obligatory be verified.

3. Consider adding a sportsbook

Sport betting gains popularity. If you use this option you must get a Random Numbers Generator (RNG) certificate for a legally proper performance.

4. Use a bank account to accept deposits and process payouts

The payment process should be smooth and secure. Opening a bank account for gambling business and cooperation with the payment platforms will provide you with various payment solutions suitable for high-risk businesses which gambling is.

5. Create a marketing plan

A thoroughly created marketing analysis and plan are necessary for a broad market understanding and estimation of your future expenses and strategies. 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.

The Curacao gambling license price 

The financial requirements are strictly set. The pricing can change with time, so it is essential to follow the changes and check the information with regulatory bodies. Due to the previous legislation, the total expenses for a Curacao gaming license were ANG 120,000 (~$67,000). The pricing consisted of an annual fee of ANG 36,000 (~20,000) and a subsequent monthly fee of ANG 7,000 ($4,000).

The Finance Minister of Curacao established the new price of the Curacao gaming license in December, 2023. Annual fee was increased and some additional fees were incorporated. The new charges under the LOK framework came into force in 2024. So the Curacao gaming license cost 2025 is higher now. A new annual fee is ANG 48,000 along with a reduced monthly fee of ANG 4,000. Extra fees are an application fee of ANG 9,000, a due diligence fee of ANG 250-500 per person, a domain fee of ANG 500 per annum with the possibility of unlimited number of domains to be used. Let’s compare the pricing of both frameworks using the table below:

Fee type	Previous cost	Under the LOK framework
Annual charge	ANG 36,000	ANG 48,000
Monthly charge	ANG 7,000	ANG 4,000
Application	Free	ANG 9,000
Domain fee	Free (up to 40 domains, each domain above that is ANG 500)	ANG 500/a year (unlimited quantity of domains)
Due Diligence (per person)	Free	ANG 250-500

The pricing is established for a general awareness and business plan approximate estimations only. Responsible entities should be addressed for more accurate data at the moment of an actual request. The license cost mainly depends on the type of business you have. The LicensingAid professionals will help you to obtain a tailor-made solution exactly for your needs and clarify accurate expenses. We will make a comprehensive analysis of your business and prepare paperwork necessary to apply for a Curacao license for you.

Reasons for a higher pricing 

First of all, it is more expensive now due to removal of a sub-license choice. The applicant must obtain a full independent license. So the overall Curacao egaming license cost has significantly increased now. That is why entering the gambling market now gets higher in pricing. But let’s point out the reasons for such changes. 

It goes without saying that the main principles and goals of responsible gaming include the strengthening of safety measures and operational requirements. To enhance security and make the standards of financial stability higher, the incorporation of changes is inevitable. The online gambling market is highly competitive and the choice of licenses becomes competitive as well. So basically such measures are called to raise the standards of gaming and the quality of service catered to the customers worldwide. A transition of the business performance environment to a safer and more transparent one requires fees raising. Such renewals will only strengthen the trust of the players and improve gambling industry on a bigger scale. The experts suppose it to be a positive influence on the iGaming market. 

Consequences of operating gambling business with no license

Such activity as operating without a license actually violates the internationally recognized gambling regulations. Any illegal business performance will result in holding responsibility. Minimum damage will be causing harm to your reputation as a gambling operator. More than that you may be obliged to pay huge fines and penalties for breaking the law. 

How can LicensingAid help you get a Curacao gambling license?

Many years of experience in gambling market allows our team to have a unique approach that will help your business to successfully obtain the Curacao gambling license and to maintain it without any arising future issues. Our tailor-made solutions include generating a package especially for your company’s requirements and needs. We guide clients through each step, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Let’s point out some of the services we provide:

• We make sure that you meet the AML regulations and other jurisdictional requirements, assisting you in making necessary changes and incorporations.
• The experts will willingly assist you in the legal entity registration process.
• Our specialists will help you to open a corporate and a merchant bank account for a gambling company.
• We provide thorough support in preparing and submitting all essential documents required for application.
• The LicensingAid team is always in touch during the application procedure and preparation, so you can contact us regarding any arising issues and possible troubles. 
• After obtaining a license we assist in the trademark registration as well as create design solutions with professional consultancy for your gambling platform.
• Our team is providing you with accurate legal advice.

Our extensive experience is licensing gambling projects and helping with all the issues on the way provides a full package of service. Our turnkey solutions are some kind of a guarantee of a seamless procedure of obtaining a gaming license.

Frequently asked questions 

Let’s get down to some crucial questions arising when the gambling business is just starting its legal performance. We want to remind you that our specialists will willingly answer any other additional questions possible, feel free to contact us.

Is obtaining a gambling license easy?

Dependless whether your business is small or not, the process of application is strictly formed and is valid for any size and type of a gambling company. The Curacao license cost consists of many factors and services though. You must meet the requirements regarding the necessary documents and fill in three forms which you must download to the website of the responsible entity.  

How long does the process of getting a Curacao license last?

The Curacao license review lasts around two months. After getting a license, it is highly recommended to mind the correct maintenance of it and to fulfil annual reports and payments. 

How trustworthy is the Curacao gaming license?

The Curacao gaming license is a historically established type of license with a strong reputation. The name speaks for itself. A lot of players trust it. 

Which countries are covered by the Curacao gaming license?

You are allowed to perform business activity for all countries except Curacao itself (and other regions of Netherlands Antilles), the USA, France, Netherlands, Australia and Germany. The Curacao license is one of the best options for a wide geographical company presence.