Curacao Parliament approves LOK: What Does It Mean For Operators

5x down payment multipliers within 1 hour illustrates a proactive approach of which fully satisfies Philippine standards, reducing complying risk and facilitating smoother licensing acceptance. The process of obtaining a Curaçao license typically takes from a few weeks to several months, depending on the completeness of the submitted documentation and the time required for verification. To remain competitive, operators must invest in transaction monitoring technologies, train their employees, and ensure that all actions comply with the new requirements. At the same time, properly utilizing resources to maintain compliance can help operators preserve market access without significantly increasing costs. You need to establish a local company in compliance with Curacao’s legislation.

• Financial requirements include demonstrating adequate capitalization to cover player funds and operational expenses.
• You must submit regular reports to the Gaming Control Board, maintain detailed financial records, and implement anti-money laundering procedures.
• Licensees must legally and technically separate all player balances from operational funds in segregated bank accounts, ensuring player funds are protected and fully auditable even if the company faces financial distress.
• This is a time of growing opportunities, and choosing the right agent to obtain your license can make you a winner.

What are the renewal requirements and costs for the maintenance of a Curacao e-Gaming license?

The landscape of offshore gaming regulation has undergone its most profound transformation in decades. The Curacao Gambling License—long perceived as the entry point to the global iGaming market—has evolved significantly, shed its historical baggage, and embraced a stringent new regulatory regime. The shift to centralized oversight, combined with updated fee and compliance structures, sets a new standard — one that balances regulatory robustness, operator accountability, and market legitimacy. Operators willing to adapt can continue serving a global audience under a recognized and modernized Curaçao Gaming License regime. Online gambling jurisdictions act as regulatory gatekeepers, ensuring that operators meet strict standards to protect both businesses and players, much like visas control international travel. A majority vote of 13 to 6 brought clarity to the Curacao license obtaining process.

Important: This process has waiting time set by the regulator and cannot be expedited.

Despite the increase in the cost of the license, Curacao still remains an attractive jurisdiction due to its flexibility and accessible licensing process. The changes have not made licensing significantly more difficult, and the new requirements are entirely achievable for those looking to operate within international standards. Such shared spaces must be reviewed and approved by the CGA to ensure they meet necessary operational, security, and accessibility standards.

Since the NOOGH system is being phased out, all operators must transition to the LOK system by 2025. We will help you meet compliance requirements, including CDD, NOIS, and NORUT. We assist in appointing a qualified compliance officer with AML experience and prepare all necessary documents required at this stage.

These changes strengthen the reputation of the Curacao license and give applicants online casino curacao a stronger position when working with partners, providers, and regulators worldwide. Whether you are starting a new platform or expanding existing operations, a Curacao license provides a credible and respected foundation for your business growth. The GCB conducts rigorous checks on applicants’ financial stability, technical capabilities, and compliance standards. The CGA demands enhanced scrutiny, requiring deep Shareholder Due Diligence Curacao for all Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs). For players, operators must implement stringent risk-based programs for verifying the Source of Funds (SOF) and continuously monitor transactions.

Contact us to get the full list of countries with available nominee services for your business

By following these steps, businesses can secure a globally recognized Curaçao gaming license, benefiting from a fast and cost-effective regulatory framework. Curaçao eGaming provides a single license system that covers all iGaming activities, including casino games, sports betting, lotteries, and poker. Operators can choose between a master license (for direct operation and sublicensing) or a sublicense (ideal for startups and operators without sublicensing needs). It’s a type of online gambling license issued by the government of Curacao, a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea. Thousands of active casino and gambling licenses put the island in the first place of industry. Since 1996, it has allowed holders to organize gambling, table games, sports betting, and lotteries.

With nearly two decades of experience, EM Group specializes in guiding businesses through Curaçao’s evolving iGaming regulations. Our local team offers personalized solutions to meet the LOK’s compliance, licensing, and operational requirements, ensuring a seamless transition into the new framework. The LOK prohibits organizing games of chance in or from Curaçao without a CGA-issued gaming license. Partnering with reputable software providers is crucial to ensuring the security of player data, financial transactions, and the overall gaming experience. Make sure your chosen providers adhere to international standards and prioritize the protection of sensitive information.

This provisional license will be valid for up to six months, with the possibility of a up to six-month extension based on the applicant’s progress in meeting the necessary conditions for obtaining a full license. The applicant must complete the required forms provided by the CGA and submit all necessary documentation as stipulated by the CGA. We agree — it’s a very challenging process, which is why MGL is always ready to help. This is a time of growing opportunities, and choosing the right agent to obtain your license can make you a winner. Based on this, we will create a proposal outlining our recommended services and their costs. As the applicant, you provide us with a summary of your business activities and information about the UBOs.

Operators keeping a Curacao certificate often face significant regulatory risks whenever entering the Filipino market, primarily thanks to differing legitimate frameworks. The Philippines’ gaming regulator, the PAGCOR (Philippine Entertainment and Gaming Corporation), enforces strict specifications, including mandatory community partnerships and in depth AML protocols. Regardless of Curacao’s reputation for flexible licensing, the particular risk of non-compliance increases if operators neglect local specifications.

The transition to the new GCB authority increased operational costs for operators, enforced stricter compliance standards, and introduced measures like the Green Digital Seal and Orange Digital Seal. Curaçao operates under a master license system, wherein the government authorizes a master license holder to issue sub licenses to other operators. This system provides flexibility and efficiency in securing licenses for various gaming activities. Master license holders are responsible for ensuring that sub license holders comply with regulations and maintain the integrity of the industry. Curacao e-Gaming is a distinguished regulatory body committed to empowering online gaming operators by providing unwavering support, comprehensive compliance standards, and robust licensing. Established in 1996, we have consistently delivered a stable, regulated framework for the global gaming industry, creating safe, reliable, and transparent gaming environments for both participants and operators.

However, in 2024, new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements are reshaping the compliance landscape for license holders. Curaçao has long been a hub for online gaming operations, offering a favorable regulatory framework and tax incentives. This guide outlines everything you need to know about Curaçao’s updated online gaming licenses, including B2C and B2B options, fees, and application processes. In the competitive landscape of online gambling, the choice of a licensing jurisdiction is a foundational decision for any iGaming venture. Among the most popular and accessible options, the Curaçao gambling license stands out as a pragmatic choice for startups and established operators alike.

To kick off the process, you need to provide comprehensive information about your business, its owners, and the software you intend to use on your gambling website. We offer hassle-free and user-friendly licenseservices for obtaining yourCuraçao License,streamlining the process and providingcomprehensive guidance throughout the journey. Upon the confirmation of your documents, an invoice for the licensing fee will be issued. To prevent any additional delays in the process, it is imperative that the payment is processed promptly. This form includes a wealth of information about your business operations, proprietorship, and financial status.

EM Group has been the fastest growing corporate services provider in Curaçao, specializing in online gaming since 2005. We consistently outperform the market with our unique focus on client relationships and our full range of expert services. Our regulatory framework is established on a foundation of rigorous standards that are intended to guarantee transparency, reliability, and impartially. Each licensed operator is subjected to a rigorous verification process that serves to confirm their dedication to responsible practices and adherence to Curacao’s regulations. Our compliance team conducts routine audits and offers guidance to guarantee that all licensees maintain the trust of their customers and adhere to our regulatory benchmarks. Success in online gambling requires more than just obtaining a license and payment processing.

Opening a bank account is the final stage and is only possible after obtaining a license. Banks will not accept the documents beforehand, as the license is a mandatory requirement. The process takes from 3 to 8 weeks, and sometimes even longer, particularly because an operator is classified as high-risk. We can provide ongoing support to help you meet these obligations, ensuring your licensed operations remain fully compliant and up to date with the CGA standards. With our expertise, navigate the licensing process efficiently and focus on growing your iGaming business.

The National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) introduces a modernized framework for Curaçao’s iGaming sector, reshaping compliance, licensing, and local presence requirements. In the second phase the CGA focuses on additional regulatory requirements under the LOK. As your recently appointed (local) managing director, we will prepare and file the license application.

This typically involves appointing a local representative or a local legal firm that acts as a liaison between the company and the local authorities, and ensuring that your company has a registered address on the island. When comparing the Curaçao gaming license to other options, its unique position becomes clear. Each of these aspects is subject to ongoing monitoring and audits to ensure full compliance with regulatory standards. Ensure compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Open a local bank account in Curacao and demonstrate sufficient financial reserves to support your business operations. The company must be registered in a CGA-recognized jurisdiction and have a physical presence in Curaçao.

As the iGaming industry becomes more competitive, maintaining game integrity certifications and ensuring seamless cooperation with software providers will be critical in sustaining a reputable gaming platform. Applying for a Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) License follows a clear framework set out under the new National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK). Whether you are seeking a B2C or B2B license, the process is structured to ensure legal, technical, and compliance standards are met. Curaçao offers political stability and an economy that actively supports the online gaming sector. This creates a secure foundation for operators looking to establish or expand their gaming businesses. All applications for online gaming or supplier license must be submitted via this Portal.

Operators can now only get licenses directly from the Curaçao government, overseen by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB). But it started in November 2023 and the last license from Masters was issued by March 2024. To get in touch with us, please use our online form to submit your request or send us an email. The Curacao Gaming License is defined by its resilience and regulatory evolution. It has successfully navigated the criticisms of the past by adopting the strict, centralized framework of the LOK. Before a complaint reaches the CGA, operators must demonstrate they have robust internal and external dispute resolution mechanisms.

To comply with CGA requirements, operators must keep detailed complaint records for five years, including resolved, unresolved, and escalated cases. Twice a year, by January 15 and June 15, they must report to the CGA, summarizing total complaints, pending cases, types of disputes, and cases referred to ADR or legal action. Not only operators but also ADR providers must submit quarterly reports to the CGA, detailing dispute numbers, resolution times, case outcomes, and any operators that fail to cooperate. After verifying all documentation, we submit the gaming license application through the CGA online portal. Yes, Curaçao is considered a crypto-friendly jurisdiction, allowing licensed operators to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies.