Because of Curaçao’s long-standing and traditionally business-friendly iGaming licensing framework, gambling sites are commonly based there. Curaçao is one of the oldest and most well-established jurisdictions in the online gambling industry, having been issuing gaming licenses since 1996. Numerous factors contribute to its popularity:

• One License: In the past, all of the main categories of iGaming activities (lottery, sports betting, and casinos) were covered by a single license.
• Cost-Effectiveness: In comparison to many other jurisdictions, licensing fees have historically been lower.
• Simplified Procedure: Faster market entry has been made possible by the application process, which has been comparatively simple and quick.
• Low Corporate Tax: With a low corporate income tax and no tax on gross gaming revenue, Curaçao provides a tax regime that is advantageous.
• Global Reach: Historically, operators have been able to provide services in a number of unregulated markets across the world with a Curaçao license, subject to certain limitations.

With more stringent regulations and improved player protection, recent changes seek to improve its standing and increase its allure.

The state agency in charge of keeping an eye on the conduct and operations of gambling businesses with Curaçao licenses is Curaçao eGaming, sometimes known as the Curaçao Gaming Authority or Curaçao Gaming Control Board, or GCB, though the regulatory body has changed over time. Ensuring secure, respectable, and dependable gaming operations is its main goal.

One of the few organizations with the authority to grant master gaming licenses—which permitted licensees to grant sub-licenses to other operators—was Curaçao eGaming (or its predecessors) in the past. The Gaming Control Board (GCB) now oversees the licensing process in Curaçao due to recent regulatory changes (the new LOK system replaced the previous NOOGH). Stricter standards for player protection, due diligence, and AML/CTF have also been implemented.

Because of its “what is not explicitly prohibited is permitted” policy, Curaçao iGaming licenses have historically provided a wide global reach, enabling operators to serve players from numerous nations. However, licensed operators usually encounter limitations in specific regulated markets due to the new regulatory framework (LOK) and more stringent international scrutiny.

The USA, UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Australia, and Curaçao itself are among the nations typically prohibited by Curaçao licenses (i.e., you cannot use a Curaçao offshore license to serve Curaçao residents). Notwithstanding these restrictions, the license is still a good choice for extensive global operations since it allows operators to access numerous flourishing markets in places like Asia, South America, Africa, and portions of Europe. Operators must constantly review the most recent list of restricted areas.

Indeed, gambling is permitted in Curaçao, where it has long played a vital role in the local economy. The legal framework for land-based casinos and, more significantly, online gambling (iGaming) is well-established on the island. Many larger hotels have physical casinos, which are legal.

One of the oldest and most reputable jurisdictions for granting iGaming licenses for online gambling is Curaçao. Due diligence, player protection, and anti-money laundering (AML) procedures are now subject to more stringent regulations thanks to recent regulatory reforms brought about by the new National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK).

Curaçao is a major hub for iGaming operations, with hundreds of gambling companies legally based or licensed there. Several online casinos, sportsbooks, and betting sites that operate worldwide under a Curaçao license are notable examples, though it’s difficult to single out one as the “representative.”

Numerous online casinos and sportsbooks that frequently cater to global markets are among the well-known brands or white-label platforms that may hold licenses in Curaçao. Many operators looking to create a legitimate online presence are drawn to Curaçao because of its well-established licensing framework, affordability, and wide market reach.

Although the terms “iGaming” and “eGaming” are frequently used interchangeably, there are some situations in which they are used differently or as a more general term.

• iGaming: refers especially to real money online gambling and betting activities. This covers lotteries, poker, bingo, sports betting, and online casinos. The “i” highlights how gambling is interactive or online.
• eSports and iGaming are sometimes included under the umbrella term “eGaming.” Although gambling and eSports (competitive video gaming) are two different things, the term “eGaming” may sometimes be used to refer to both online gambling and competitive gaming, especially in areas where the two may overlap or be subject to similar regulations. To be clear, “iGaming” refers almost exclusively to online gambling that involves real money.

The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) is in charge of overseeing both online (iGaming) and land-based (“brick and mortar”) casinos in Curaçao. The main regulatory agency in charge of monitoring the island’s whole gaming sector is the GCB.

The GCB’s function has been greatly enhanced by the most recent revision of Curaçao’s gambling regulations (the LOK). It has replaced the previous master/sub-license system with direct licensing, enforced more stringent due diligence standards for operators and key personnel, and implemented more extensive regulations pertaining to responsible gaming, player protection, and anti-money laundering (AML) measures.

The new National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) has significantly changed the cost of a gambling license in Curaçao. Compared to the previous system, the costs are higher and more transparent under the new framework. The following estimated fees should be budgeted for by operators applying for a direct license (B2C or B2B) under LOK:

• An annual license fee.
• Per month.
• An application).
• Due diligence costs.
• Annual fee per domain.

These fees are on top of those associated with local representative fees, company incorporation costs in Curaçao, and other compliance-related services. Curaçao is still an appealing and competitive jurisdiction for iGaming licensing, despite the rising costs.

A Curaçao gaming license enables operators to reach a wide range of foreign markets, but it usually has limitations for some nations, particularly those that have their own well-established and regulated iGaming markets or outright bans on gambling. The following are typical prohibited nations for operators with a Curaçao license:

• United States (USA)
• The United Kingdom (UK)
• The Netherlands
• France
• Germany
• Australia

Curaçao itself, which means that businesses with a Curaçao license are typically not allowed to provide services to Curaçao residents.

Restrictions also apply to nations like China and Turkey where internet gambling is completely illegal.

Operators are required to closely adhere to these geo-restrictions and keep an eye on the laws of their target markets. Compliant hosting solutions from HostingB2B can help satisfy these regional needs.