The new Curacao Gaming License fees at 2023

Last update 8.3.2023

As part of the new gaming regulatory framework, companies applying for a new Curacao license will pay a reasonable application fee of €5,000 and a yearly license fee of €14,000. Additionally, they will need to appoint key employees to oversee anti-money laundering activities and responsible gambling policy, which is a positive step towards ensuring the integrity of the industry. The new regulation overhauling the licensing system in Curacao is set to enter into force in summer 2023, and we are excited to announce its upcoming implementation. The regulation will create a new independent regulatory body, the Curacao Gaming Authority, to replace the Curacao Gaming Control Board.

The year and half transition period will provide existing licensees with a chance to express and register their interest in a new permit, ensuring continuity of their operations. The new authority will issue separate B2C and B2B licenses to new gambling operators, and existing licensees will have a chance to express and register their interest in a new permit.

We are confident that these changes will enhance the regulatory framework in Curacao and provide greater transparency and oversight of the gambling industry. We look forward to supporting our clients in navigating this new regulatory environment and ensuring their continued success.

Understanding the cost of a Curacao gambling licenses

A master license permits the holder to run e-gaming operations and provides the ability to sell sub-licenses to other parties. Master licenses are only issued at the discretion of the Minister of Justice, and it has become extremely difficult to obtain a master license in Curaçao.

A sub-license can be issued by the holder of a master license, and it offers the same rights to operate online gambling activities in a legitimate manner but is a single-instance license. A sub-licensee cannot sell additional sub-licenses to third parties.

Last update 27.12.2023

The Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB) is the regulatory body responsible for issuing gaming licenses and overseeing the gaming industry in Curacao. In recent years, the GCB has made a number of changes to its licensing process and requirements in order to improve the transparency and integrity of the gaming industry in Curacao.

Some of the key developments in the Curacao gaming industry include:

• Enhanced due diligence: The GCB has implemented more stringent due diligence requirements for gaming license applicants, including enhanced background checks and increased transparency around the ownership and control of gaming businesses.
• Improved customer protection: The GCB has implemented a number of measures to protect customers, including the introduction of a player protection policy and the establishment of a player protection fund.
• Enhanced compliance: The GCB has implemented a range of measures to ensure compliance with international standards and best practices, including the adoption of a risk-based approach to regulation and the implementation of a compliance management system.
• Greater collaboration with international regulators: The GCB has increased its collaboration with international regulatory bodies in order to improve the oversight and regulation of the gaming industry in Curacao.

Overall, these developments have helped to improve the reputation and stability of the gaming industry in Curacao and have made it an increasingly attractive location for gaming businesses.