Over the years, many iGaming operators have acquired a Curacao gambling license. To this day, Curacao remains one of the top jurisdictions in which to attain a license. Three of the top reasons is that it offers one of the most cost-effective licensing packages, its B2C license covers all types of gambling activities, and the license is issued quickly.
Other positive, notable factors about acquiring a gaming license in Curacao is the lack of value-added tax (VAT), no tax on bets, and only a low corporate income tax. Moreover, the Dutch Caribbean island country is politically stable with a long-established financial services industry. Additionally, since the island nation was once a part of the Netherlands Antilles and maintains unique statues as an autonomous territory of the Netherlands, Curacao gaming license holders enjoy the benefit of the EU without the high taxes of Europe.
Of all the jurisdictions actively involved in the iGaming industry, Curacao is one of the oldest, with the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard coming into effect in 1993, which began the legislation for regulating online gambling. In 1996, the Curacao e-Gaming License Authority was created to supervise the integrity of the nation’s iGaming licenses.
As online gambling gained in popularity, Curacao changed their gaming control structure. In 2001, Curacao created the Curacao Internet Gaming Association (CIGA). Its main function is to ensure that all gambling operations based out of Curacao adhere to the licensing requirements and licensing code of conduct. CIGA also works as an intermediary between members licensed within the country and the Curacao government to implement policies that are gaming friendly.
In 2002, the e-Gaming Licensing Authority was put in charge of regulating online gambling. This was a responsibility that previously belonged to the Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB). The GCB continues to regulate land-based gambling activities in the nation, and is the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) supervisor for all gaming activities – including online gambling – conducted within or from Curacao.
To this day Curacao eGaming (CEG) is Curacao’s leading master license holder, and continues issuing B2C gaming licenses, more than 25 years later. In our Curacao gambling license review, we’ll provide you with the information you need to help you get started on the road to obtaining an iGaming license from this long-time, industry-respected jurisdiction.
Types of Licenses – What Licenses Does Curacao Offer?
Curacao has a single framework for regulations and licensing, with a system based on different classes of license. There are two different types of licenses:
Master License
To date, there are only four Curacao master license holders. They are:
- Cyberluck Curacao N.V. (Curacao-eGaming) license #1668/JAZ
- Gaming Curacao (GC) license #365/JAZ
- Antillephone NV license #8048/JAZ
- Curacao Interactive Licensing N.V. (CIL) license #5536/JAZ
No other Master license has been issued since 1996, and only the Minister of Justice has the power to issue a master license. Each of the current Master license holders can issue sub-licenses to any interested party under the guidance of Curacao authorities.
A master license is valid for five years before requiring renewal.
Sub-License
It’s important to know that the only Curacao license you can apply for is a sub-license. It is not possible to apply for a master license. In other words, if you would like a Curacao online gaming license, you will need to apply for a sub-license from one of the Master license holders, such as the country’s leading Master license holder, Curacao eGaming (CEG). Sub-license holders cannot sell additional sub-license to third parties.
As a curacao licence holder (master license or sub-license holder), you can conduct all types of internet gambling activities with the one license, including:
- Casino (slots, card games, video games)
- Sports betting
- Bingo
- Poker
- Lotto
A sub-license is tied directly to the master license and is valid indefinitely. A sub-license only becomes invalid if it is revoked by the master licence holder or the master license is no longer valid. That said, a company license must be renewed annually.
The License Process – How Do I Get a Curacao Gambling License?
Obtaining a Curacao online gaming license is a fairly straightforward process. It is also easier to acquire compared to gambling licenses offered by many other jurisdictions. Of course, this doesn’t mean that just anyone can secure a license from a master license holder. There are certain requirements you must meet and specific steps you must follow before you’ll be granted a license.
Requirements for obtaining a license
Step 1 – Register your business in Curacao
You need to register a business in the Curacao e-Zone with your domain. The e-Zone (Economic Zone) is a specific geographical location within Curacao with laws that offer a favourable tax regime of only 2%, lower custom duties, and zero turnover tax as long the company with share capital is a resident in the zone.
More specifically, for an online gambling business, you must first establish a local limited liability company (B.V. or N.V.) and will need to have a local representative from the area as well as a physical server that is located in Curacao.
Step 2 – Complete the necessary paperwork and submit the required documentation and certificates
Curacao licensing authorities must abide by the AML/CFT rules as well as other financial regulation and applicable laws. As such, they will inquire into the identity, finances, country of residence, and other personal details of an applicant. Additionally, license applicants will be required to pass a fit and proper test to show that they do not have a criminal record or have been sentenced for a crime. Among the documentation you will be require to submit during the licencing process includes (but might not be limited to):
Step 3 – Submit your application
Send the necessary documents to the appropriate representative. Be sure to assemble and review all the required documents prior to submitting your application to the master license holder. Leave no room for error. Even the slightest mistake on the complex paperwork could lead to a rejection, and you will need to start the process over again from scratch. This is often why it is best to consult with a professional who has experience applying for a Curacao gambling license as well as a lawyer familiar with the process.
Step 4 – Wait for the application to be processed
After you have submitted your application, you then need to wait for approval. It can take up to six weeks to process and approve an application.
Once the application is processed and you have been approved, you can then begin operating your iGaming business with an official Curacao gaming license. You will then display the appropriate badge and information on your gaming site to indicate that your brand is licensed. You may also be required to provide a link on your site to the licence page specific to your company on the official Master license holder’s site.
License Costs – How Much Does a Curacao License Cost?
The Curacao gaming license cost is determined by multiple factors. Expenses to consider include:
- Professional consultation
- Registration costs (e.g. registering two domains)
- application fee
- Cost of the license
- Local hosting and server space (e.g. setting up data backup storage in curacao, servers rent, DNS hosting, etc.)
- Backoffice support
- Assistance in opening bank and processing accounts
- First year of company management (e.g. local managing director, etc.)
- Application process services (e.g. filing, registration of documents, software certification that guarantees game fairness, etc.)
- Any other regulator-issued requirements
- Taxation (e.g. income tax, sales tax, etc.)
- Annual renewal fees (e.g. annual maintenance fees, government fees, registered office costs, resident agent fees, etc.
The following example shows a possible breakdown of Curacao gambling license cost*:
While costs can vary, the initial costs of obtaining a Curacao eGaming license is between €20,000 – €25,000+. On top of that, there is income tax, which is 2%. Additionally, each year your company will need to renew the license, which will cost €17,900 – €21,900+ per year + 6% sales tax.
Ultimately, as previously mentioned, the final costs can vary and will depend on a number of factors. As such, it is often a good idea to consult with an expert to help guide you through the licensing process and find the pricing arrangement that works bets for you.
With that said, overall, the Curacao online gaming license is considered to be one of the least expensive in the industry, and also one of the lowest for taxation, including income tax.
*Note: Keep in mind that the prices listed are for informational purposes only to give you an idea of overall cost. Prices and fees will vary.
Licensee Regulations – What Rules Am I required to Follow?
You need to follow all regulations and laws of the GCB, CIGA and the master license holder who issued you your sub-license. Failure to comply with these laws can result in penalties and/or the loss of your license.
Though all master license holders are subject to the same laws and regulations, each master license holder has its own policies in regard to handling disputes that may arise between players and operators. Since this is the case, it is important to find out what the specific regulations are that apply to your specific sub-license.
In what regions does this license allow me to operate?
With a Curacao gambling license, you can accept players from many countries as long as they are not specifically prohibited by your sub-license agreement.
Example of regions covered/ not blocked by gaming sites with a Curacao license**:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- India
- Russia
- Poland
- Norway
**Note: If a country has local gambling regulations, a separate local license may be required to target players in these regions or may result in payment service providers blocking funds from these countries.
Although the curacao license can be legally used in just about any jurisdiction, it is forbidden to operate in certain countries under Curacao law. Examples of restricted regions this license does not cover include:
- Curacao
- Aruba
- Bonaire
- USA
- France
- Netherlands
- Statia
- Saba
- St. Maarten
- Singapore
License Pros and Cons – Is a Curacao License Right for Me?
One of the best ways to determine if a Curacao gaming license is the right choice for your iGaming business is to consider the advantages and drawbacks of the license to see if one side outweighs the other.
Curacao gaming license advantages
- One license covers all – You only have to apply for one license and it covers all forms of online gambling, including casino, poker, bingo, sports gambling, and lottery
- Crypto payments accepted – Cryptocurrency payments, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, are accepted from compliant operators.
- Fast and uncomplicated to obtain – The licensing process is not as complex as other jurisdictions, and you can receive license approval in as little as 6 weeks.
- Low cost and low taxes – Not only is this casino license one of the least expensive of all gambling jurisdictions, with low yearly maintenance fees, but there is also 0% corporate income tax and only 2% tax on net gains.
Curacao gaming license drawbacks
- Country restrictions – Curacao license holders cannot accept players from certain jurisdictions, such as France, USA, the Netherlands, and Curacao. Allowing players from these countries to gamble on your site can lead to your license being revoked.
- Not as favorable as other regulators – Though a license from Curacao is considered to be reputable, it’s not as highly regarded as other offshore gambling license jurisdictions, such as Malta and the Isle of Man.
Curacao Gambling License FAQ
Curacao gaming license cost varies and depends on a variety of factors, such as personal consultation, application fees, business registration fee, etc. Typically, a license costs anywhere from €20,000 – €25,000 or more.
It can take anywhere from 3 – 6 weeks, but on average it takes approximately 6 weeks once the application is submitted to receive approval.
You need a sub-license, which can be obtained from one of four master license holders. The most well-known of the master license holders is Curacao eGaming. The sub-license is valid for all types of online gambling, including casino, sports betting, poker, bingo and lotto.
Yes. If you want to be able to run a legitimate business within the iGaming industry, partner with payment processors and software companies, you should obtain a license from a reputable gaming control board, such as Curacao.
Due to its uncomplicated application process, favorable costs, one license that covers all online gambling activities, and the number of jurisdictions it reaches, Curacao is a good license for start ups.
Curacao eGaming License Fast Facts
- First gambling license issued – 1996
- Regulator – Curacao Internet Gaming Association
- License provider – 4 Master License Holders (Curacao eGaming main provider)
- Number of licenses types – 2 (only sub-license type available to applicants)
- Approximate license costs – €20,000 – €25,000+
- Average time to obtain license – 6 weeks
- License validity period – Must be renewed annually
How Can Casinnovate Help Me Get a Curacao License?
Casinnovate can connect you with the most ideal software and platform partner. This may be a partner who can provide you with the license you need via a white label solution or one who can provide you with the proper expert assistance – such as assistance that includes the input of a qualified Curacao gaming lawyer – to help you understand and meet the most current, necessary licensing requirements.
For help with a Curacao gambling license and/or for iGaming software products that comply with Curacao requirements, the iGaming platforms we recommend include:
Have other questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
