New fee structure for the LOK license

All of them are essential if you want to stay live and avoid issues during audits. This article is the first in a dedicated series breaking down gambling license costs by jurisdiction. Each payment structure is designed to facilitate a smooth transition while maintaining operational continuity. EM Group’s dedicated team can help you navigate these payment schedules and ensure compliance with all transitional requirements. Operators are strongly encouraged to review these updates thoroughly to ensure compliance with the GCB’s new policies. Timely payments and adherence to the deadlines are critical to maintaining an active licence and avoiding operational disruptions.

Licensing is essential for legal compliance in the gambling industry, a line no owner wants to cross, even unintentionally. Entrepreneurs may choose a comprehensive White Label solution with licensing or navigate independently. Understanding the licensing process is crucial for informed decisions about partnerships with software and payment providers, and other operational considerations. Moreover, Curaçao’s ongoing regulatoryreforms introduce uncertainty, potentially increasing licensing fees and compliance obligations in the near future. Despite these hurdles, many businesses still opt for a Curaçao license due to its low tax rates and simplified licensing process, but long-term planning is essential to remain competitive as regulations evolve.

That brings the total annual gambling license cost to €47,700 for a single-domain operation. For a lean setup with one UBO and one domain, expect your upfront cost to land around €7,500. It is strictly the payment required to file and process the licence application with the GCB. The cost of obtaining a Curacao gambling license depends on the client’s project, the type of activity, and the end goal. On average, the cost of a license is about 60,000 € per year, to which is added a monthly fee of about 5,500 €. In addition, the cost of renting a local office, paying employees, and other operational costs must be taken into account.

Curaçao Gaming Authority Releases Updated 2.0 Fee Guidance Under LOK Framework

Additionally, these licensing fees exclude auxiliary costs such as compliance certifications, local office establishment, and legal consultation. Therefore, each operator’s total investment will vary based on their specific circumstances. To provide clarity on the ongoing regulatory reforms, we’ve prepared a comparative table. This overview highlights the distinctions between existing Curacao license costs and the new fee structure (B2C). The B2B license focuses primarily on service provision rather than specific gaming activities.

In the evolving online gaming landscape, obtaining a legitimate license is crucial for businesses seeking credibility and compliance. Curaçao’s regulatory framework has undergone significant updates with the introduction of the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), which came into effect on December 24, 2024. This new legislation replaces the previous National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH) and establishes modernized processes and requirements for licensing.

In 2025, Curacao remains the most attainable offshore option for new casino brands. As of 2025, all operators must apply directly to the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) under the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK), effective since September 2024. Approval is faster, the rules are more straightforward, and the oversight is real. But even with the lean structure, operators tend to underestimate the actual cost of getting and maintaining a license. Licence suspensions and revocations will be processed through the GCB portal. These changes will be reflected on both the Green Digital Seal and the GCB’s public licence register.

Once a license is obtained, companies are required to adhere to strict regulations and oversight from the government of Curacao. Master licenses are valid for five years, and only four master licenses have been issued since 1996. Sub-licenses are linked to a single master license and are valid as long as the master license remains valid. It’s not possible any longer to apply for a master license, since only sub-licenses are issued at the moment. All over the world, online gambling businesses are regulated either by a Gaming Control Board or an independent government body or division. Gaming Control Boards hold the power to adjudicate over civil cases brought to them by the body responsible for enforcing the gambling license regulations.

While fees have increased, the benefits include greater credibility for license holders, improved regulatory oversight, and better long-term industry sustainability. As part of the move to the new regulatory framework, if you hold existing licenses under the old NOOGH system, you must go through a transition process to comply with the LOK regulations. The transition is mandatory and involves several important steps that all operators need to take note of. Additionally, existing master licenses will not be renewed beyond their current expiration dates. If you hold one, you must transition to the new system before your license expires to continue operating legally. Previously, only master license holders could issue sub-licenses, but under the new system, you must apply directly to the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB).

Here’s a breakdown of the key updates that operators need to be aware of to remain compliant. A gambling license in Curacao is a profitable and affordable solution for running a gambling business, thanks to its relatively fast processing time, low tax rates, and reasonable cost. Gofaizen & Sherle offers professional support for licensing your gaming business in Curacao so that you can get your project up and running in no time. Curacao, a Caribbean gem and part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has become a vibrant online gambling hub. Known for its mix of tourism, oil refining, cargo handling, light industry, and financial services, Curacao provides a great business environment. Its developed infrastructure and favorable tax conditions make it a prime location for offshore businesses.

For B2B iGaming license holders

This includes the licence application, annual regulator fees, company setup, hosting, compliance tools, audits, and a local key person. Applicants must address all payment requirements before gaining access to the licensing process. Our experts can assist you with comprehensive guidance throughout the application fee submission process. Holders of gambling licenses in Curacao are required to maintain separate records for games, submit reports, and comply with administrative reporting requirements.

Under the new LOK framework, several important changes have been introduced, significantly altering the way licensing works in Curaçao. These reforms aim to streamline operations and strengthen the island’s position as a reputable gaming jurisdiction. Understanding the new fee structure is critical for businesses looking to operate in Curaçao’s eGaming sector. This is the first entry in our ongoing series breaking down the true cost of gambling licences around the world. Up next, we will cover Malta, the Isle of Man, Kahnawake, and other key jurisdictions. Running a compliant Curacao operation in 2025 comes with structural and regulatory costs that are not always disclosed in promotional offers.

These steps will help the company to successfully complete the process of obtaining a Curacao gaming license to start legal curacao casino license gambling activities. Although the suspension temporarily slowed down the issuance of gambling licenses in Curacao, once approved by NOOGH, the process became consistently swift. The regulator utilizes an online portal to submit and manage applications, simplifying the processing. This guide reflects the current application requirements, but it’s important to stay informed about potential changes. New legislation or regulatory updates could impact the licensing process significantly.

This includes regular reporting and audits to ensure compliance with the terms of the license. The two most common kinds of Curacao gambling licenses are business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-client (B2C). Curaçao does not levy a separate statutory GGR tax; operators are generally taxed on net corporate profit. With the correct structure,many operators qualify for the E-Zone regime (~2% CIT).

It’s essential to set the structure correctly from the start—our team can guide you end-to-end. We acknowledge the importance of the information provided for a comprehensive understanding of the license fees under both legislations. For operators transitioning from the current system to the new LOK, the ANG48,000 ($26,622) fee is waived in the first year.

• Under the incoming LOK draft, which is subject to parliamentary approval, all entities must hold a B2C licence, without exceptions.
• Here’s a breakdown of the key updates that operators need to be aware of to remain compliant.
• Companies obtaining a gambling license are required to have a registered office in Curaçao.
• It is also important to provide information on financial sources and ownership structure.

With our assistance, you will have in place the company structure that you need to register the license and get going. And the payment processing merchant accounts necessary for your customers’ deposits and withdrawals will be ready in reputable European EMI service providers. Under the current NOOGH legislation, operating licenses, not categorized as B2C or B2B, entail specific fees. These include no application fee, an annual fee of 36,000 ANG, and a monthly fee of 7,000 ANG.

With a streamlined application process, businesses can secure a license in just a few weeks, significantly reducing time-to-market. The jurisdiction’s business-friendly tax regime, including low corporate taxesand zero VAT on gaming revenue, enhances profitability. The B2C license is now mandatory for operators offering gambling services directly to players, ensuring full compliance with responsible gaming policies and financial regulations. Meanwhile, B2B licensescater to game developers, payment processors, and platform providers, allowing them to legally supply their products to licensed gaming operators. The introduction of the LOK represents a transformative step for Curaçao’s gaming sector. By modernizing its regulatory framework, Curaçao ensures that gaming operators meet global standards while fostering a safe, transparent, and trustworthy environment for online gaming.

A holding company somewhere in the EU banking domain as the legal entity that sets up and controls the necessary financial accounts – bank (which is not mandatory), EMI and merchant / PSP. More than 450 companies have chosen the Curacao betting license already, and the demand isn’t falling. This tells you that you start off with the best available platform from which to launch your own internet gaming site. With hard work, you can climb over all the competition and get to be the best of the best, in the best of the markets. Your company is directly responsible for all charges relating to the production of these documents, including translation and notarization where required.

WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), the governing body for overseeing the gaming industry, has recently disclosed that the annual fee for an online casino license in Curaçao is about $53,000. These funds are distributed fairly with approximately half going back to Curaçao’s state treasury, while the remainder supports the CGA’s operations. Previous Sub-licence StructureThe former system allowed businesses to operate under master licence holders through sub-licences. This arrangement provided a cost-effective entry point for businesses of various sizes interested in Curacao igaming marketing opportunities.