Curaçao iGaming License Application Support

As a jurisdiction of choice, CSB Group can provide clients with assistance in establishing their remote gaming business along with guidance and support in obtaining the appropriate licence which would enable them to provide facilities for gambling and/or advertising in Curaçao. As in all other services and solutions we offer, when it comes to consultancy services for our remote gaming clients, we are set to provide a total online gaming solution to interested parties, providing prospective clients with all the elements necessary for their successful gaming venture.

Online Gaming in Curaçao

Curaçao is currently in the process of reforming its online gambling legislation via a new law that will be named the Landsverordening op de kansspelen (Lok). In expectation of the entry into force of the Lok, the Minister of Finance of Curaçao has decided to recommence issuing licenses under the current law, the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (Landsverordening buitengaatse hazardspelen, P.B. 1993, no. 63) (NOOGH). Herewith, the Minister of Finance hopes to create a transition framework that will permit a smooth transition from the existing to the new law.

Thus, Curacao has created a new online portal which is intended to be used for:

1. the application for a Curacao online gaming license in accordance with NOOGH by those companies that wish to obtain a license directly from the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB), and
2. the registration of operators that are currently offering online gaming in Curaçao on the basis of an agreement with an existing license holder and that wish to obtain a Curacao online gaming license under current/future law.

Applying for a Curacao eGaming Licence

In 2019 the Minister of Finance of Curaçao was tasked with the licensing for and the supervision of the online gaming sector on behalf of the Governor of Curaçao. As of March 2020, the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) was tasked with the licensing and supervision of the online gaming sector on the Minister of Finance’s behalf. As of November 2023, the GCB has been accepting and processing license applications from those who wish to acquire a Curacao online gaming license directly from the GCB. Licenses can only be issued to Curaçao based companies that offer online gaming.

Obtaining a remote gaming licence in Curaçao

According to the NOOGH, the Governor of Curaçao is authorized to grant a license to operate online games of chance. By national decree of December 23, 2019, no. 19/2434, the Minister of Finance has been provided, on behalf of the Governor, the responsibility for policy-making and implementation of the LBH.

By ministerial order of March 24, 2020, No. 2020/00449623, the Minister of Finance has directed that the powers granted to him regarding offshore games of hazard to the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (“GCB”). On the Minister of Finance’s behalf, the GCB is authorised to grant licenses for and supervising the online gaming industry in Curacao.

Licensing Objectives

Licensing and supervision on the basis of the NOOGH shall be conducted in accordance with the below objectives:

1. the prevention of fraud and other illegal activities related to games of chance;
2. the protection of players, including the protection of minors and guaranteeing payment of player winnings;
3. the prevention of gambling addiction.

A safe, responsible, reliable, and a transparent supply of games of chance in or from Curaçao must be guaranteed, where, nevertheless overlap that may exist between the definitions:

1. 'safe' means the safety of the games offered, the game equipment, and the game system, and their sufficient resistance to risks such as theft, malware, and internet crime;
2. 'responsible' refers to matters such as open and fair treatment of players, safeguards against gambling addiction, and the protection of vulnerable persons, including minors.
3. 'reliable' refers to the integrity, the stability, and continuity of the provider of the games of chance and the game it offers. The reliability of the games of chance provider must also be beyond doubt in connection with the prevention of money laundering and the financing of terrorism;
4. 'transparent' means that the operations of the provider must be accessible, transparent, and testable and that it is also properly administered.

Based on the above, the GCB in Curacao shall:

• Grant an iGaming license if the applicant demonstrates and guarantees a safe, responsible, transparent, and reliable offer of games of chance in or from Curaçao.
• Attach license conditions and restrictions that can reasonably contribute to a safe, responsible, transparent, and reliable offer of games of chance in or from Curaçao.

Requirements for Applying for a Licence

Only a legal entity which have been incorporated under the laws of Curaçao and has its registered office in Curaçao can apply for an online gaming licence. Additionally, only applicants that conduct the following activities are eligible to apply:

• Player management: registration and verification of players, and
• Fund management: engaging in financial transactions, manage players' funds (deposit and withdrawals), and create bonuses and other incentive.

The applicant shall be required to fill out and submit a number of forms along with supporting policies and documentation.

During their review of the iGaming license application, the Curacao GCB will focus on:

1. the integrity of the applicant, its ultimate beneficial owners, its holders of a qualifying interest, its statutory directors, its managing directors, and its compliance officers;
2. the financial integrity of the applicant's organization;
3. delivery channels and their accessibility from the players’ standpoint. Critical policies and procedures must be submitted with the GCB within 6 months of granting of the license, audited in accordance with instructions of the GCB, and thereafter upon the request of the GCB.

Decision term

The GCB decides whether to grant a licence or not within two months of receipt of the application.

Validity

The validity period of the license is one year, subject to earlier revocation or (transitional) provisions applicable under future Curacao laws.

License conditions

Conditions will be attached to the license that apply to all holders of a license. CSB Group will be able to assist you in relation to understanding certain conditions that apply to licenses granted by the GCB directly. Specific conditions that apply to individual licensees may also be attached to the license depending on specific circumstances.

Fees and Costs involved to obtain a Curaçao Gaming License

Until Lok enters into force in June or July 2024, licensees are required to comply with the current laws in Curacao (NOOGH). However, licence conditions which shall be applied to each licence granted by the GCB shall reflect the new laws (Lok).

When it comes to applicable fees, licencees shall be expected to comply with NOOGH until Lok enters into force. Therefore, applicants/licensees can expect the following fees due to the GCB:

NOOGH (applicable until June or July 2024)

• No application fees;
• Annual licence fee is a total of 120,000.00 ANG (pegged to US dollar):
  • 36,000.00 ANG annual licence fee due upon licence issuance
  • 7,000.00 ANG per month

Kindly note that these fees permit licensees to include 40 domains within the licence. However, in the event that the licensee wishes to add more than 40 domains, an extra charge of 500 ANG per domain per year shall be applied.

Lok (entry into force in June or July 2024)

• 9,000.00 ANG application fee
• 49,000.00 ANG annual licence fee due upon licence issuance
• 4,000.00 ANG per month
• 500 ANG per year permitting licensees to have unlimited domains included within the licence

Application Process for a Curaçao eGaming License

Under the NOOGH, the Governor of Curaçao is empowered to issue licenses for operating online games of chance. As of December 23, 2019 (national decree no. 19/2434), the Minister of Finance has been delegated the responsibility, on behalf of the Governor, for the policy-making and implementation of the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (LBH). Subsequently, on March 24, 2020 (ministerial order no. 2020/00449623), the Minister of Finance transferred his authority regarding offshore games of hazard to the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB). 

The GCB, acting on behalf of the Minister of Finance, is now responsible for issuing licenses and overseeing the online gaming sector in Curaçao. The application process requires detailed information about the owners, applicants, and the software used on your gambling platform. 

CSB Group will assist you from the very beginning and throughout the entire license application process. Each application will vary depending on the company and intended business activities, however, typically the licence application requires a range of documents including various forms to be completed, supporting documentation in relation to the Ultimate Beneficial Owner/s and Directors, a Business Plan, Financial Forecasts and Policies and Procedures. The process typically takes about three months, depending on the complexity of the application.

Benefits of Holding a Curaçao License

Securing a Curaçao gambling license offers numerous benefits for operators, combining operational ease with corporate and fiscal advantages, including:

Robust Regulation and Reliability

Recognised worldwide, Curaçao's gaming license enhances credibility and attracts customers.

Financially Competitive

Curaçao offers low licence fees, and a crypto friendly environment, making it a jurisdiction of choice for iGaming businesses.

Tax Benefits

Enjoy significant tax advantages compared to other jurisdictions.

Streamlined and Speedy Application

Benefit from a simple and efficient application process which usually takes the GCB 8 weeks to process. 

Payment Processing

Easily integrate payment processing services

All-in-One License

Offer a diverse range of services with a single license.

Manageable compliance requirements

Curaçao’s regulatory framework offers a simple and transparent licensing regime.

What are the Differences between B2B and B2C Gaming Licenses in Curaçao?

Curaçao provides two primary types of licenses: B2C (Business to Consumer) and B2B (Business to Business). The B2C license is designed for operators who offer gaming services directly to consumers, such as online casinos. In contrast, the B2B license is intended for suppliers that provide gaming-related services to other operators, such as software developers.

Tax Regime for Online Gambling

The foreign profits of the Curaçao company will be taxed under the territorial tax regime under which only profits from domestic enterprise are taxed against a maximum rate of 22%. In principle, all profits will be considered benefits from a domestic enterprise, unless the taxpayer substantiates that a portion of the profits should be regarded as non-domestic. To determine whether profits are considered domestic or non-domestic, the profit before non-causal costs is allocated based on causal costs but excluding costs of materials.

Besides this attractive corporate income tax feature, the Curaçao company will, in principle, qualify for the Curaçao participation exemption, which exempts capital gains or dividends gained from participations.

Curaçao iGaming License FAQ’s

How does the Curaçao gaming license compare to other gaming licenses?

Curaçao is the perfect destination for new iGaming businesses looking to kick-start their journey quickly and affordably. With low costs, simple compliance requirements, and a speedy licensing process, getting started has never been easier. Enjoy the benefits of low fees, international recognition, and optimal tax conditions—all while operating in a crypto-friendly environment allowing you to focus on growing your business.

The Gaming Control Board provides a robust yet straightforward regulatory framework. All gaming activities are covered under a single licence, eliminating the hassle of obtaining multiple licences and offering unparalleled flexibility for future expansion. Plus, the efficient application process means it will get processed in as little as 8 weeks. 

How long does it take to get a Curaçao gaming license?

Applying for a Curaçao license usually takes around three months from the beginning, depending on the complexity of your operations. However, the GCB usually tends to process applications within 8 weeks from the date of submission.

Is gambling legal in Curaçao?

Gambling in Curaçao was legalised and regulated under the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (Landsverordening Hazardspelen), which was enacted in 1993. According to the NOOGH, the Governor of Curaçao is authorized to grant a license to operate online games of chance. By national decree of December 23, 2019, no. 19/2434, the Minister of Finance has been provided, on behalf of the Governor, the responsibility for policy-making and implementation of the LBH.

By ministerial order of March 24, 2020, No. 2020/00449623, the Minister of Finance has directed that the powers granted to him regarding offshore games of hazard to the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (“GCB”). On the Minister of Finance’s behalf, the GCB is authorised to grant licenses for and supervising the online gaming industry in Curaçao.