Curacao Licensed Casinos

Types of Curacao Online Casinos Licenses

Curacao licenses cover different forms of online gambling, all regulated by the Curacao Gaming Control Board. It oversees the regulation and licensing of online gambling activities in the island country.

The National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) officially took effect on December 24, 2024. This marked a significant shift in Curaçao’s gaming regulations.

Applications submitted before this date followed the old NOOGH (the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard) framework.

However, any applications filed on or after December 24, 2024, are now subject to the updated LOK requirements. This includes revised application forms and mandatory fees.

At precisely 12:01 AM on December 24, the old application process was permanently discontinued. Moving forward, all new submissions must adhere strictly to the LOK’s provisions.

Existing NOOGH licenses have already been automatically upgraded to provisional LOK licenses. This ensures a seamless transition for current operators.

What does this mean? Master licenses are no longer available. For example, Antillephone N.V. ceased all its licensing operations on 1st November 2024.

Here’s what happened to other master license operators:

• Curacao eGaming (CEG) was declared bankrupt on October 18, 2024. However, its sub-licensees have been grandfathered into the new licensing system and are expected to transition smoothly.
• Meanwhile, Curacao Interactive Licensing N.V. (CIL) ceased all licensing duties on January 31, 2025.

Getting a Curacao License

One of the many reasons why Curacao casino licenses are popular is their relaxed requirements compared to other gambling authorities, like MGA and UKGC. Even with the new regulations, applying for Curacao licenses is easier than most top authorities on its level. The section below discusses what you need to apply for a Curacao license.

Required Documentation

What is required when applying for a Curacao license? Here is what you need to do:

• Provide passports or government-issued IDs of the owners of the operating company
• Listing the contractual responsibilities of all owners coupled with their bank statements
• Offer evidence that the operator has measures in place to prevent minors from joining the platform
• Provide a three-year financial suitability report of the operator
• Proof of third-party RNG certification
• Intended target audience
• A list of software providers to power the online casino
• Database of player and transaction details on the platform
• Proof that the operator will showcase information on problem gambling prevention
• Have at least one physical server operating within Curacao state lines
• Evidence of how the operator will implement AML rules and regulations
• Provide reports on software maintenance audits
• Include ‘Terms of Use' on the casino site
• Provide a comprehensive description of all games intended to be on the site.

Previously, licenses were valid for five years and could be renewed. However, under the new regulatory framework, licenses are now granted for a term of one year. They’re subject to earlier revocation or suspension should there be enough reason for that.

Curacao Gaming License Application Procedure

After collecting all the required documentation to apply for a Curacao license, you can proceed to submit the application officially. Here are the steps to follow:

Incorporate a business under the laws of Curacao

To form an offshore company in Curacao, at least one director should be a resident of Curacao. There should also be one shareholder, not necessarily a Curacao resident.

The company should hold a shareholder meeting in Curacao at least once every year. And finally, a local contact person residing in Curacao must always be at the company's address in Curacao.

Do note that incorporating an offshore company in Curacao also attracts several fees. These include:

• Local representative fees for the first year of incorporation
• Legal, administration, office, and domiciliation fees
• Local ISP service fees as they are crucial as a compliance backup.

Submit the relevant paperwork

Ensure that all your documents are accurate and up-to-date because even the slightest mistake could result in rejection. Once everything is ready, submit the application via the official Curacao eGaming Authority website.

Pay the relevant fee

Note that you must pay a processing fee when submitting your application. Below is a table summarizing Curacao license fees under LOK:

Wait for processing

While the old regime took approximately two to six weeks to review the application, things are much faster now. The application process is conducted online.

Applicants must download and complete the following three digital forms:

• Online Gaming Application Form
• Business and Corporate Information Form
• Personal History Disclosure Form

Validating a Casino's Curacao License as a Player

Ensuring a casino has a valid license is crucial before depositing your hard-earned money. Luckily, determining whether an operator has a valid Curacao license is pretty straightforward. Here are the basic steps to follow to validate a Curacao online casino license:

Open the Casino's Website

Head over to the Curacao casino web page and scroll to the bottom of the homepage. The best Curacao-licensed online casinos have a green GCB validation stamp. If you see a green seal, that’s a standard license. Previously, you’d also see stamps for sub-licenses (orange in color) but they’re no longer available because they were scrapped.

Locate a Curacao Logo at the Site's Footer

Online casinos with a Curacao license are required to display the official seal on their websites. This seal serves as a mark of authenticity and compliance with Curacao's regulatory standards. It helps players verify that the casino is licensed and regulated by the Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB), ensuring a level of trust and transparency.

Search for the Operator on Curacao's Search Registry

Alternatively, you may find that the casino only displays its licensing number, registration number, and registered address alongside other official details at the bottom of its homepage.

If that's the case, take that information and enter the registration number on the Curacao eGaming Authority's registry, accessible on the official website. A successful result means that Curacao authorities legally license the operator.

Curacao License Market Coverage

Unless there are specific laws against online gambling in your state, you can legally play at a Curacao online casino site. This could mean that your residing state doesn't permit online gambling or bans online gaming at offshore casinos.

Whatever the case, players from such countries cannot play at Curacao licensed online casinos. But even after removing such jurisdictions, more than 200+ countries in the world still permit online gambling.

An interesting fact is that the Government of Curacao doesn't allow its citizens to play at Curacao online casinos. More so, jurisdictions like France, the USA, the Netherlands, Australia, and the Dutch West Indies have signed treaties with the Government of Curacao to prohibit their citizens from accessing these gambling platforms.

Are Curacao Licensed Casinos Safe and Reliable?

As mentioned earlier, the sheer volume of Curacao licenses has led to a worldwide decline in trust among online casino enthusiasts. That's because the authority is prevalent for its hands-off approach, especially regarding player complaints about licensed casinos.

However, everything is changing thanks to the new regulations. The gambling authority intends to change its overall approach to ensuring compliance among its licensees. As a result, the Curacao Gaming Authority came into existence.

Now, operators are expected to strictly follow the authority's compliance guidelines, especially when it comes to player complaints and tax laws. The body's main objective is to straighten out the kinks revolving around irresponsible or unfair gaming practices.

Nonetheless, the best Curacao casinos have implemented rigid security measures to instill confidence among players. That includes third-party testing on the fairness and safety of games, as well as cutting-edge encryption technology to guarantee player safety.

These platforms have also put measures in place to prevent underage gambling while ensuring responsible gaming by providing relevant tools and information.

What's more, operators must be transparent in all their processes. From the funds they receive from players to how they manage their operational funds. How they handle player complaints and their advertising strategies should be clear too. In short, these sites implement clear and concise procedures to follow.

Why Do Many Casino Operators Prefer Curacao Licensing?

It goes without saying that Curacao gambling licenses are the go-to for many online operators. But why? Here are our arguments:

Authorizes all types of gambling activities

Curacao licenses allow operators to provide all sorts of online gambling activities. That includes sports betting, online casino, lotteries, and even poker. All you need is one valid license from any of the master license holders to provide all these services.

Favorable tax regulations

Many jurisdictions that have legalized online gambling earn handsomely from the market. As such, many gambling authorities take their gambling tax laws very seriously, with some even hiking up their taxes to meet their market demands.

But since Curacao started issuing licenses, they have been a cost-effective option. There's no VAT, import duties, or sales tax. Operators just submit a 2% corporate tax on their net income. Pretty affordable if you ask us!

International reach

Curacao gambling licenses open operators up to a global market. In fact, you can offer your services to players in more than 200 countries that have legalized online gambling. That’s why such licenses are popular among online casino operators with a growth and innovation objective.

Fast and Simple Application Process

Yes, the required documentation may be a bit much. However, once all your information is ready to submit, it will take a maximum of six weeks to receive a Curacao license if successful.

However, strict compliance with Curacao licensing requirements is essential for a smooth application process. It also helps that the license application costs are modest.

Payment Methods Flexibility

One of the major perks of getting a Curacao license is that it permits an array of banking solutions, including credit cards and cryptocurrencies. Nowadays, payment methods play a vital role in where gamblers play. After all, no one wants to wait days for their withdrawals, yet cryptocurrencies offer an instant solution.

Player Protection in Curacao Online Casinos

Like other reputable gambling authorities, Curacao-licensed online casinos stipulate a strict set of player protection rules to ensure the safety of customers. While these rules are pretty standard, they encourage trust among players.

Here are some security measures that Curacao casinos must adhere to as part of the body's player protection rules:

• All operators must have strict age verification procedures. That includes age verification protocols and KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures to ensure no underage gamblers access the site.
• Curacao casinos must also employ rigid security measures to guarantee player privacy. By incorporating vigorous encryption technologies and other safety measures, these operators must always ensure the security of their servers. That way, no unauthorized parties can access their player information.
• They must also have third-party certification of the safety and randomness of all games. As an online casino player, enjoying games whose outcomes are guaranteed to be safe and random is next to hitting the jackpot. That's why operators and gambling bodies emphasize having titles whose results cannot be manipulated.
• Another aspect Curacao online casinos must implement is having responsible gambling tools. While including identity verification procedures is part of providing responsible gambling tools, most Curacao online casinos simply offer responsible gambling information instead of tools. But the best brands provide a wealth of tools, including self-exclusion, deposit limits, and time limits.
• Curacao licensees must not let individuals who have opted out (self-excluded) participate in any gambling activities.
• Curacao-licensed casinos are not allowed to give credit to players, either directly or indirectly, through any means.
• Curacao gaming sites must ensure that players' accounts do not go into a negative balance.
• Licensees must not allow players to place bets unless there is enough money in their account to cover the wager. Exceptions to this rule require prior approval from the Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB).
• Lastly, strict adherence to AML policies is another vital part of Curacao's player protection rules. Unauthorized access to accounts and identity theft are kept to a minimum. It also helps with deterring money laundering activities on the platforms.

Dispute Resolution

Not sure how issues are addressed at Curacao online casinos? Well, you'll be happy to know that most of these operators have a transparent yet simple means of resolving player complaints.

Usually, this involves contacting support via either email or live chat. The best Curacao casinos have a quick and helpful support team equipped to ease your gaming adventures on the platform.

But in case your correspondence with the operator is not fruitful, you have the option of contacting the Curacao Gambling Authority. Here, you must provide the actual correspondence with the operator, which may include emails, screenshots or any other evidence you may have of your complaint not being adequately addressed.

Once you have the relevant documents, send the evidence to the official Curacao eGaming Authority website or email. The body will review the complaint and evidence submitted by both parties. If it finds fault on the operator's or player's side, it will suggest possible ways to resolve the matter.

How to file a complaint against a CEG-licensed casino

1. Filing a complaint against a CEG-licensed online casino is only possible after you've tried to resolve the complaint with the operator. Often, that involves liaising with the customer support staff. But if you've tried above all else and you and the operator cannot reach an agreeable conclusion, then follow the steps below:
2. Visit the Curacao eGaming website. Head to the operator's official website and scroll to the bottom of the page to find the Curacao logo. Click on it to be automatically redirected to the Curacao eGaming website.
3. Go through the T&Cs of complaint resolution. Read the stipulated terms and conditions for complaint resolution and click ‘Continue.'
4. Explain yourself. Enter the relevant information pertaining to the dispute in the spaces provided. Note that you'll be required to submit a brief explanation of what you think the operator did wrong, plus screenshots and supporting documentation. Once done, click ‘Next.'
5. Provide correct casino account details. Tick the relevant boxes to ascertain that you're being truthful about the complaint and that you're the correct account holder. You'll also have to provide your full name as registered on the Curacao online casino you're complaining against.
6. Send your complaint. Enter the correct captcha code and hit ‘Upload to CEG.' It might take a few weeks for your complaint to be addressed but the CEG will get in touch.

And voila! Your complaint has been submitted. Do note that CEG is only an intermediary between the player and the operator. It takes no sides but only seeks to find a balanced ground where both parties enjoy a fair hearing and account for their actions.

Curacao eGaming (CEG) 2023 Reforms

Curacao eGaming is known for its relaxed regulations and easy-to-apply license procedures. But in June 2023, news of stricter rules from the Authority came to light. From September 2023, the lax stance that the authority is known for is set to change, arguably for the better.

So, what are the new CEG 2023 reforms?

One of them is that gambling companies with a master license can no longer sub-license to other operators. Before, it was difficult to regulate operators with a Curacao sub-license. After all, the government had no direct oversight over such sites. And that resulted in greater risk for the players and increased rogue operators.

With the new reforms, the Curacao Gaming Authority, the new gambling authority, will be the only master license issuer with a mandate to issue, amend, revoke, and suspend licenses. But now, what happens to operators that already have a sub-license?

Well, the CGA will issue B2B and B2C licenses, which will cater to the needs of those who previously had master licenses as well as sub-licenses. However, getting these permits will require applicants to meet a high standard when submitting the requirements.

The body will also undertake thorough compliance checks when reviewing the submitted documentation, including company audits and finances. Similarly, applicants will have to prove the transparency and authenticity of their policies.

Another essential change is that operators must have three high-level employees physically working in Curacao. While these changes are leading the authority along the right path, how the iGaming community will receive these changes is still unknown.