What is Curaçao license?
A Curaçao gaming license is a route for online casinos, sportsbooks and other international gaming businesses looking for a recognised regulatory framework without starting with one of the more complex European licensing regimes. Under the current framework, licenses are issued directly by the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA).
A new licensing framework
Curaçao has fundamentally changed the way it regulates online gaming. The Landsverordening op de Kansspelen (LOK), which entered into force in December 2024, replaced the former master license and sublicense model with direct licensing and supervision by the CGA. The new framework introduces more extensive requirements around the applicant, its owners and key persons, financial standing, AML, responsible gaming, information security and ongoing compliance. In practice, this means Curaçao remains an accessible international licensing option, but it is no longer the light-touch sublicense model it was once known for.
What do you need to apply?
A Curaçao gaming license requires more than submitting an application. The applicant must be a legal entity established under Curaçao law with its statutory seat in Curaçao, and must meet applicable local management requirements. Depending on the business and license, the process may also involve corporate and ownership documentation; suitability and integrity checks on relevant persons; financial information and business planning; AML and player verification procedures; responsible gaming policies; information security controls; and technical and operational documentation evidencing that the relevant gaming systems, platforms and technical controls meet applicable requirements and are ready for regulatory review. The CGA reviews applications in stages and may request additional information or documentation during the process.
What does a Curaçao license cover?
For B2C operators, a Curaçao online gaming license provides the regulatory basis for offering remote gaming in or from Curaçao through approved domains. It can cover different types of gaming activities depending on the scope of the licensed operation, including online casino games, sports betting, live dealer games and certain peer-to-peer or pooled-prize games. But a Curaçao license is not a global passport. Some countries require a separate local license or otherwise restrict offshore operators, so your target markets should be assessed separately before launch. The same applies to banks, payment providers, game suppliers and other partners: holding a Curaçao license may form part of their onboarding requirements, but acceptance ultimately depends on each provider's own policies and risk assessment.
Build for launch - and what comes next
The right license is only one part of an iGaming setup. Your company, target markets, compliance framework, payments and technology should work together from the start. OnScale can support the full setup - from establishing the required company to preparing and coordinating the license application and supporting documentation. Already have the required company? You can start with the licensing process only.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Curaçao license still a sublicense?
No. The LOK, in force since December 2024, replaced the master license and sublicense model with direct licensing and supervision by the Curaçao Gaming Authority. Anyone still describing a Curaçao setup as a sublicense is describing the previous regime.
Do I need a Curaçao company to hold the license?
The applicant must be a legal entity established under Curaçao law with its statutory seat in Curaçao, and must meet applicable local management requirements. If you already have a company elsewhere, the first step is assessing whether and how it fits that structure.
Can a Curaçao license be used to target any market?
No. It provides the regulatory basis for the licensed activity, but some countries require a local license or restrict offshore operators. Where you can operate depends on the laws of each market you want to enter, and should be assessed separately.
Ready to put this into practice?
OnScale handles the full setup - formation, KYC, and documents - with one fixed price and one point of contact.