Gambling licence in Curacao

Both newcomers to interactive entertainment and experienced players in the international gambling market are seeking to obtain a gambling licence in Curacao. The reason is the unique combination of legal flexibility, business accessibility and technological neutrality of this Caribbean jurisdiction. Against the backdrop of increasing regulatory pressure and growing demands for the legalisation of online casinos, Curacao maintains its status as an attractive and sustainable hub for the global gambling industry. This publication will analyse in detail the procedure for obtaining a gambling permit in Curacao. The legal basis, changes in the supervisory model, financial conditions of the licence, as well as mandatory requirements for corporate structure and compliance with KYC and AML standards will be discussed.

Gambling authorisation in Curacao: business relevance

The gambling market is under strict control of international and national regulators. Legalisation of business in this industry is becoming not just a mandatory formality, but a critical factor for scaling and survival. In this context, a gambling licence in Curacao is seen as an affordable and legitimate tool to enter foreign markets.

Legal registration of a gambling project allows the operator to avoid blocking, lawsuits and claims from financial institutions. Opening a gambling business in Curacao means immediately declaring yourself as a law-abiding market participant. This strategy is especially relevant for start-ups and companies emerging from grey areas, which need a quick start-up with minimal legal risks.

Without authorisation documents:

• integration with international payment providers is impossible;
• it is impossible to promote in large aggregators;
• legal interaction with affiliates and investors becomes more complicated.

A business without a licence is not just limited in tools - it is perceived as a toxic asset, regardless of its profitability.

One of Curacao's key advantages is the high degree of recognition of local licences in the international banking system. A Curacao gambling licence gives operators access to processing services from Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller and other major providers. In addition, the legal status of a company with a valid authorisation facilitates the operation of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Stablecoins.

Curacao compares favourably with Malta, Gibraltar and even the Isle of Man not only in terms of a flexible tax model, but also in terms of the simplicity of administrative processes. It is possible to licence an online casino in Curacao without having to go through complex and multi-stage procedures that often delay the launch of a project for 6-12 months in other jurisdictions.

The jurisdiction offers:

• centralised licensing through the Gaming Control Board;
• no mandatory certification of each new gaming product;
• simplified KYC/AML procedures, provided the basic requirements are met.

These are the elements that make the clearance process transparent and predictable for startups and entrepreneurs with no experience in the gambling industry.

Obtaining gambling authorisations in Curacao means initially targeting an international audience. The licence does not limit the activity to one region, but allows you to work with players from dozens of countries. Despite the fact that Curacao is not a member of the European Union, its legal system is associated with the legal framework of the Netherlands, which increases the confidence in the licences issued by European partners.

This approach makes obtaining a gambling licence in Curacao particularly attractive for fintech projects focused on innovation and flexibility in the operating model.

Jurisdiction of Curacao and peculiarities of gambling regulation

Choosing a country to open a gambling business is a strategic decision that directly affects operating costs, access to financial instruments, level of trust from partners and prospects for international development. Curacao remains one of the most balanced jurisdictions in terms of regulation, cost and flexibility.

The island has a special legal regime that combines offshore authorisation for gambling activities in Curacao with regulatory integration into the legal system of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The regulation of the online gambling industry in Curacao is based on the principles of openness, stability and technological adaptation to modern Internet entertainment formats.

This approach is particularly important for foreign investors. It guarantees compliance with the rule of law, independent dispute resolution bodies and a transparent administrative procedure. In case of conflicts or financial claims, the operator can count on a fair legal defence within a civilised judicial system.

One of the reasons for the steady popularity of the Curacao gambling licence is its offshore nature. This jurisdiction is included in the list of tax privileged zones and provides legal entities with the following advantages:

• reduced tax rates of approximately 2% of net profits;
• no value added tax on interactive casino services and online platforms;
• the right of unhindered distribution of income to foreign bank accounts.

These parameters make obtaining a Curacao gambling licence particularly attractive to international entities seeking to optimise taxation without losing access to legal protection and regulatory support.

The financial conditions are further supported by simplified accounting reporting and the ability to operate through registered providers that outsource administrative functions.

The regulation of online gambling in Curacao is not a sideline of government policy - on the contrary, it is embedded in the island's socio-economic development strategy. Since the late 1990s, Curacao has consistently built a reputation as one of the leading hubs for online gambling by developing digital infrastructure, training professionals and adapting legislation to suit the needs of this sector.

Initially, the gambling market developed on the basis of a delegated model: the state issued four master licences, the holders of which had the right to grant sub-permits to other operators. This structure remained in place for over twenty years and facilitated a massive influx of operators from Europe, Asia and the CIS.

However, a major transformation of the legal system began in 2023. The aim of the reform was to abolish the outdated and non-transparent licence subletting model. It was replaced by centralised control through the Gaming Control Board, an independent regulator empowered to issue gambling licences in Curacao directly.

These changes have formed the basis of a new regulatory architecture, which will be discussed in more detail in the next section. For now, it is important to note the following: despite its offshore status, Curacao does not seek to be a zone of uncontrolled freedom. On the contrary, the island is building a balanced regulatory model that combines legal predictability, tax incentives and consumer protection.

New licensing scheme in Curacao: direct LOK authorisation through the Gaming Control Board

Curacao has implemented a centralised licensing system which, from 2023, relies entirely on the LOK (Landsverordering op de Kansspelen) state authorisation. Today, a licence for gambling activities in Curacao is issued exclusively through the Gaming Control Board, an independent supervisory body with exclusive rights to review applications, conduct inspections and monitor the activities of operators.

The authorisation procedure for operating in the gambling sector in Curacao has become unified and transparent. It is subject to strict regulatory guidelines that comply with international standards set by the FATF, as well as European regulations concerning financial transparency, customer identification (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) measures. The use of intermediaries or multi-layered structures (e.g. old sub-permits) is completely eliminated: only companies that have been state-registered and directly approved by the Gaming Control Board are authorised to organise gambling activities.

The advantages of the centralised model are:

• elimination of conflicts of interest, as the issuance of licences is now solely in the hands of the state;
• unification of requirements for software certification, information security and personal data protection;
• transparent criteria for assessing applicants, including financial stability, availability of a competent team and readiness to fulfil all regulatory obligations.

A LOK licence in Curacao gives companies access to international payment systems (Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller), allows them to legally operate with cryptocurrencies and receive recognition from global PSP providers. In addition, the LOK licence confirms to business partners, investors and customers that the operator operates within the legal framework and fulfils its social responsibility obligations.

Today, obtaining a gambling licence in Curacao is not a simple process. It is a multi-stage process involving legal, technical and financial preparations. Gaming Control Board starts to consider the application only if the operator is fully prepared to carry out commercial activities. It requires proof of funding sources, the existence of implemented anti-money laundering and customer identification (AML/KYC) systems, and the use of certified software.

Thus, a gambling licence in Curacao under the LOK model becomes a full-fledged legal instrument that allows to expand business, enter international platforms and legalise the operation of online casinos or betting services. This model eliminated outdated mechanisms and ensured sustainability, predictability and a high level of trust on the part of supervisory authorities, financial institutions and users.

The role of the Gaming Control Board

The new supervisory body, the Gaming Control Board (GCB), has exclusive powers. It is responsible for reviewing applications for gaming activities, conducting a comprehensive vetting of applicants, and managing and administering existing licences. Its activities cover the entire spectrum of interaction with licensees, from issuing permits to monitoring transactions and controlling the beneficial structure.

The advantages of such a centralised model are obvious:

• elimination of conflicts of interest (the permit is issued by the state, not by a private right holder);
• unification of requirements in terms of certification of software solutions, ensuring information security and compliance with standards for processing personal information;
• transparent criteria for obtaining a licence.

Consequently, the procedure for obtaining a licence to conduct gambling activities in Curacao becomes standardised and meets the international requirements set by FATF and the European Union.

Legislative parameters required for an online casino licence in Curacao

To obtain the right to carry out gambling activities in Curacao, it is not enough to establish a legal entity and prepare a package of documents. The legislative framework of this jurisdiction is based on the obligation to strictly comply with international regulations. These regulations cover customer identification, guaranteeing information security, protection of personal data, as well as fulfilment of social obligations in the field of gambling. These requirements define a range of responsibilities for both operators and their technology partners.

The authorisation of an online casino in Curacao implies absolute adherence to the established regulations. These rules apply to both the internal management processes of the organisation and the technical elements that ensure the functioning of user interfaces. This includes the implementation of self-regulatory systems, the availability of certified software, and the use of reliable algorithms for processing payment information.

Identification, Internal Control and Anti-abuse Regulations

A fundamental condition for obtaining a gambling authorisation in Curacao is recognised as the need to strictly comply with the customer verification regulations known as Know Your Customer (KYC). At the same time, compliance with internal control requirements (AML) and measures to prevent the financing of prohibited activities (CTF) are mandatory. The operator is required to build an internal control architecture that will identify each user by official documents, eliminate the use of fake or forged accounts, and monitor behavioural and financial anomalies at an early stage. This includes mandatory verification of the sources of origin of customer funds and beneficiaries, implementation of systems to monitor transaction activity and the ability to suspend participation in the game if suspicious activity is detected.

The gambling regulation in Curacao requires that such mechanisms do not operate formally, but as a real risk management tool. Failure to comply with the aforementioned regulations is grounds for cancellation of the permit or penalties from the Gaming Control Board.

Information privacy and encryption

In order to obtain an online casino licence in Curacao, the applicant must prepare detailed regulations governing the handling of customer personal data. The following categories are protected under local law:

• passport and contact details of players;
• betting and transaction history;
• device and IP address details;
• bank details.

All this information must be stored in encrypted form, using TLS 1.3 protocols and above. Servers must be hosted on certified hosting sites, preferably within the jurisdiction, with access for Gaming Control Board auditors.

Violation of these requirements entails not only fines but also reputational losses, as licensed companies are required to comply with privacy standards comparable to European GDPR regulations. Consequently, a gambling licence in Curacao requires the mandatory implementation of full-fledged cybersecurity tools.

Principles of responsible participation and internal regulation

Obtaining a gaming licence in Curacao is not possible without the installation of user self-regulation functionality on the platform. This category of requirements is aimed at protecting those susceptible to gambling addictions and is part of the government's social responsibility strategy.

The gaming platform is obliged to:

• provide the possibility to set daily, weekly and monthly limits on bets and deposits;
• give the user the right to self-lock the account for any period of time;
• display session timers notifying about the duration of continuous play;
• offer access to specialised organisations providing assistance to addicted players.

An online casino licence in Curacao is only granted if all of the above options are implemented in the user interface and work correctly.

Software certification and player protection

A platform applying for a licence must undergo a technical audit and obtain a certificate for each game to confirm that the random number generation is reliable, that the calculation of winnings is mathematically correct and that the operator cannot interfere with the probability of game outcomes.

The audited companies receive an opinion from independent laboratories such as iTech Labs, eCOGRA, BMM Testlabs and others. Without such a document, it is impossible to obtain an online casino licence in Curacao.

In addition, the operator is obliged to provide:

• transparent refund and complaints policy;
• instant user access to transaction history;
• 24/7 technical support.

These measures allow the player to feel protected, and the regulator - to be confident in the integrity and sustainability of the operating model.

Curacao gambling licence procedure: steps and actions

To obtain a gambling licence in Curacao, an applicant must go through a step-by-step procedure covering both legal and technical aspects. The regulations are fully formalised by the regulator, the Gaming Control Board, and compliance is a prerequisite for legal activity. Although the process may seem cumbersome, the clearly established structure allows companies with the necessary training to go from the start of the procedure to the issuance of a LOK licence within three to six months.

Gambling licensing in Curacao involves several key steps that form a unified and transparent registration scheme. At each step, the applicant must confirm the existence of a stable operating platform, compliance of technical solutions with the established standards and the availability of financial resources sufficient to ensure smooth operation.

The initial step is to formalise the legal structure in Curacao. For this purpose, the NV form (Naamloze Vennootschap) is used, which essentially corresponds to the model of a limited liability company. For this purpose it is necessary:

• to choose a unique name;
• to appoint at least one resident director;
• to approve the articles of association;
• to provide a local registered office.

The founders may be non-residents and the minimum amount of authorised capital is not fixed by law. However, capitalisation is an important factor in demonstrating the financial strength of the company to the regulator and banking authorities. Once details are entered with the Curacao Chamber of Commerce, the company is granted a status that allows it to apply for licensing.

The next step is the formation of a detailed dossier, including both legal and technical materials. To apply for a gambling permit in Curacao, you will need:

• a business plan describing the financial model, monetisation and traffic strategy;
• proof of capital origin;
• contracts with software, payment solutions and hosting providers;
• AML/KYC regulations, descriptions of compliance procedures;
• information on the qualifications of the management team;
• technical specifications of the platform.

Companies without sufficient expertise often engage external consultants, as even a minor deviation from the regulator's requirements may result in the application being returned and longer processing times.

After the documents are submitted, the Gaming Control Board conducts a comprehensive review. It includes an evaluation of application forms, financial references, investment sources, and interviews with key executives. A mandatory element is a technical audit: testing the IT infrastructure for stability, fault tolerance and compliance with security standards.

The applicant must be prepared to provide access to a demo version of the platform, administrative dashboards and technical load reporting. The regulator is entitled to request additional materials, including contracts with banks and agreements with contractors.

Upon successful completion of all checks, the operator is granted a LOK gambling licence in Curacao. This is a perpetual state authorisation that grants the company the status of a legal operator, the right to connect to international PSPs, settle accounts with affiliates, participate in tenders and work with global payment gateways.

The LOK licence requires compliance with all regulatory conditions. These include ensuring legal protection of players' interests, maintaining technical stability, fulfilling compliance obligations, and fulfilling social responsibility. Operators that demonstrate transparent processes, stable operations and high standards are able to build more flexible relationships with supervisory authorities and business counterparties. In addition, such companies gain a higher level of business reputation in the market.

The Curacao Gambling Licensing process is not a simple administrative registration. It is a comprehensive legal, technical and financial check aimed at confirming compliance with international standards. The LOK authorisation becomes an important strategic asset that allows access to international markets and creates the conditions for scaling up the business.

Documents to apply for a gambling licence in Curacao

You should not start the application process without preparing a comprehensive package of materials. The documentation required to obtain a gambling licence in Curacao is not considered a mere application. These papers fulfil a crucial function, confirming the actual readiness of the operator to operate in accordance with the current legal regulations.

The registration of an online casino in Curacao is accompanied by strict compliance with the established rules. These obligations apply both to the stage of company creation and the stage of subsequent verification. The information provided is analysed in detail, both manually and electronically. If discrepancies or missing mandatory information are identified, the supervisory authority has the right to suspend the review procedure or refuse to issue an authorisation.

Constituent documents and financial parameters

The basis of the package is the legal status of the company. To confirm the legality of the corporate structure it is required to provide:

• articles of association and registration certificate;
• extract from the Chamber of Commerce of Curacao;
• document confirming the legal address;
• information on the size and structure of the authorised capital.

Gambling licensing in Curacao assumes that the company is already registered and all the above documents are signed and certified. It is also necessary to attach a financial plan with projected revenues, expenses, break-even points and estimated turnover of gaming accounts.

The financial documentation should be tabulated and include:

• a cost structure (operating, marketing, licensing, audit);
• a revenue plan (deposits, retainers, commissions);
• a calculation of estimated profit for 12 months.

AML Policies and Data Protection

One of the most sensitive sections of the dossier is the compliance policy. To apply for an online casino licence in Curacao, the applicant must submit:

• internal player identification procedures;
• regulations for dealing with suspicious transactions;
• notification and blocking system;
• a scheme for responding to potential risks;
• appointment of a responsible AML officer.

The block concerning the security of users' personal information is considered a particularly significant part of the documentation. The supervisory authority requires a detailed description of the data storage and protection system, with mandatory indication of the encryption standards used, such as TLS 1.3. In addition, a technical diagram showing how access to confidential information is segregated must be provided. Failure to provide this information will preclude the possibility of obtaining a gambling authorisation in Curacao.

Questionnaires, biographies and reputation references

The vetting of owners and key managers is carried out according to the international ‘fit and proper’ model. This means that all beneficiaries, directors and executives are required to undergo due diligence.

The dossier includes:

• notarised copies of passports;
• certificates of no criminal record (apostilled);
• bank reference letters;
• CVs describing work experience;
• professional certificates.

The licensing of gambling companies in Curacao provides for maximum transparency: any attempt to conceal the ultimate owners, substitute documents or provide incomplete biographical data is considered as an infringement and may lead to rejection without the right to resubmit.

Software certification

The issue of compliance with technical standards is considered by the regulator as one of the priority criteria. When going through the process of applying for an online casino licence in Curacao, the applicant must provide evidence that the gaming software used meets the following requirements:

• is certified by an independent laboratory (e.g. eCOGRA or iTech Labs);
• has been audited by the RNG;
• is integrated with a secure server architecture;
• uses secure encryption protocols for data processing.

The regulator may request direct access to an administrative panel or a test environment to assess performance, resilience and compliance with stated standards. Without a positive report from a recognised laboratory, a gambling licence will not be approved in Curacao.

All documents must be given in English or accompanied by a certified translation. It is recommended to use a corporate structure with a ‘transparent’ jurisdiction so as not to raise additional questions from the regulator.

Documents for a gambling licence in Curacao require a comprehensive approach and serious preparation. It is not a template package, but a customised set reflecting the business logic of the project, readiness for financial responsibility and technical maturity. The higher the quality of the submission, the faster a favourable decision is made. Neglect of details in this matter leads not only to delays, but also to loss of confidence on the part of the supervisory authority, which is fraught with rejection.

Financial conditions of gambling licensing in Curacao

The financial side is one of the key aspects to consider even before submitting the documents. The cost of a gambling licence in Curacao includes both mandatory licence fees and ongoing operational costs associated with business support, auditing, hosting and compliance procedures. In order to budget wisely, it is important to understand the cost structure, timing of payments and potential adjustments in the event of business expansion.

The jurisdiction offers a predictable and open model, with no hidden fees or disguised charges. At the same time, the conditions for authorisation of gambling activities in Curacao include a continuous monetary engagement with the supervisory authority, the Gaming Control Board. This obligation arises from the application stage and continues until the annual submission of reporting materials.

One-off fee and start-up costs

The first mandatory payment is a one-off licence application fee, which is charged after the application package is approved and before LOK approval in Curacao. It is US$18,000 and is non-refundable, even in the event of subsequent cancellation.

This amount covers the administrative review, preparation of internal regulatory documentation and issuance of the initial authorisation. In addition, as part of the authorisation granted, the operator will be able to register up to 40 domain addresses without paying an additional fee during the first licence year.

In addition to the initial fee, there is a monthly payment of $700, which begins to accrue from the date of entry into force of the gambling licence in Curacao. This amount shall be paid in advance, at the beginning of each month. The obligation to pay remains irrespective of whether or not there is actual activity on the platform.

Annual licence fee

Once a legal entity has obtained a perpetual LOK certificate in Curacao, it is obliged to pay the prescribed fee every year. The amount of this mandatory payment is USD 60,000. This condition applies if the number of functioning domain addresses is kept within the established threshold - no more than 40 units. In case the limit is exceeded, an additional annual payment of USD 250 for each domain in excess is charged. All payments are tied to the calendar year and are subject to recalculation when the licence structure changes, new addresses are added or owners change.

These fees are transferred directly to the Gaming Control Board account and serve as proof of the licence's validity, legality and compliance with the obligations to maintain the operational infrastructure.

Additional costs: audit, maintenance, hosting

Along with the official fees, the operator is obliged to take into account the ancillary costs, without which it is impossible to provide licence support when applying for a gambling licence in Curacao. Such costs include:

• annual financial and operational audit services (on average between USD 5,000 and USD 10,000 depending on the volume of transactions);
• technical support for servers, including hosting in certified data centres in the jurisdiction;
• subscription fees for software, including random number generation systems and fraud protection tools;
• maintenance of KYC/AML processes through external identification and monitoring providers.

Total annual licence maintenance costs, excluding GCB fees, can range from US$25,000 to US$50,000, especially if the company operates in a multi-currency and high-volume environment.

Registration of a gambling licence in Curacao also requires sufficient financial strength. The regulator does not require a security deposit, but the availability of reserve funds in corporate accounts plays an important role in the consideration of the application. It is desirable to have liquid assets or confirmed support from investors covering at least 6 months of operating expenses.

The authorisation to conduct gambling activities in Curacao provides the opportunity to apply the eGaming tax regime. This model provides for an average rate of approximately 2% of net profits. This condition applies if the operation is organised through a specialised, properly structured platform. VAT is not charged on gambling services and dividends withdrawn are not subject to additional taxation at the jurisdiction level.

This model provides an opportunity to optimise costs without sacrificing legality. However, in order to obtain these preferences, it is necessary to ensure the accuracy of tax reporting and the absence of debts to local structures.

Thus, the cost of a gambling licence in Curacao includes both direct mandatory fees and associated costs related to technical, legal and operational support. The transparency of the pricing policy makes Curacao a profitable alternative to European jurisdictions, where comparable fees can be 2-3 times higher and the process of obtaining a licence much longer.

Building a team: what specialists are needed to obtain a gambling licence in Curacao

Qualified staff is one of the key factors determining the approval of an application. Without experience in managing a gaming platform, an understanding of compliance requirements and strong internal controls, a Curacao gambling licence becomes difficult to obtain. That is why the Gaming Control Board considers not only the legal structure, but also the personal composition of the applicant: who manages, who is responsible, who controls the technical, legal and financial processes.

The requirements for personnel are set officially and reflected in the licensing regulations. Having a professional team, not nominal but actually involved in the activity, is a prerequisite if you want to pass a gaming business licence in Curacao without refusals and repeated requests.

Key roles in a licensee's team

Jurisdiction requires that an operator applying for an official gambling authorisation in Curacao has a minimum of four key personnel as part of its team. Their functionality covers all blocks of operational management.

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The person responsible for the strategic and operational management of the project. He or she coordinates the activities of all departments, approves financial plans and represents the company in relations with the regulator.
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Responsible for budgeting, financial control, reporting and liaising with auditors. His involvement in documentation, rate calculations and fiscal obligations is critical to the reliability of the entire structure.
• Chief Legal Officer. Ensures compliance with all regulations governing gambling, including local acts, international guidelines and financial abuse requirements. This position develops internal AML and KYC regulations, liaises with the regulator on all requests, and supports the process of changes to the corporate structure.
• Chief Cybersecurity Officer (CISO). Responsible for the reliability of the IT environment, the functioning of defence mechanisms, the stability of the server architecture and the confidentiality of user information. His or her responsibilities include ensuring uninterrupted system operation, implementing encryption algorithms, countering external threats, and ensuring compliance with secure data storage requirements.

Residency as a prerequisite

The licensing of gaming companies in Curacao requires that at least one of the managers be a resident of the jurisdiction. This means either citizenship/residency or permanent physical presence and tax residency on the island. Such conditions allow the regulator to deal promptly with responsible persons in the event of incidents, inspections or the need for urgent resolution of irregularities.

The regulator allows the appointment of a third-party manager with tax residency status, provided that the criteria of goodwill and professional suitability are met. The use of formal structures with fictitious participation of managers is unacceptable. Within the framework of control, the Gaming Control Board has the right to request evidence confirming the actual participation of the manager in operational activities, his involvement in the decision-making process, as well as his presence in the working space of the company.

Requirements for qualifications and experience

In order to register a gambling company in Curacao, it is not enough to enter the details of the applicants in the registration forms. Each of the declared specialists must prove the existence of relevant experience, specialised education and impeccable business reputation:

• Proven professional experience (at least 3-5 years in the relevant field);
• profile education (economics, law, IT);
• certificate of impeccable business reputation;
• references from previous employers or business partners;
• absence of criminal record and suspicion of financial offences.

Each candidate must provide a curriculum vitae in the prescribed format, including all jobs for the last 10 years, certificates and employment contracts. The background check may include an interview or request additional information.

In the absence of competent staff, the regulator permits the use of third-party experts - law firms, technical contractors, and fintech entities. However, interaction with such providers must be documented. Contracts should be concluded, the list of tasks should be clearly stated, oversight mechanisms should be established, and the obligations of the parties should be defined.

It is important to bear in mind that a gambling authorisation in Curacao is not possible without a qualified, sustainable and legally established team of professionals. This requirement serves as a filter for unscrupulous applicants and allows to maintain a high standard of quality among existing operators.

Companies that initially complete the structure formally risk being rejected. Those that approach this stage responsibly and show a willingness to comply with regulations, however, benefit from faster processing times and more flexible interaction with the regulator in the future.

Administrative and supervisory responsibilities of licencees

Once a legal entity has executed a gaming authorisation in Curacao, its responsibilities do not cease. On the contrary, from the moment it is entered in the register, it becomes obliged to follow the established requirements of continuous supervision, which is carried out by the Gaming Control Board. From the legal point of view, the status of a licensee obliges the operator to operate transparently, to provide reporting information according to the established schedule, to record all processes and to ensure that the information is stored within the time limits established by the legislation.

Maintaining registers and recording activity

One of the basic functions is to systematise and properly record all game transactions and user activities. This applies both to the processing of financial flows and the registration of gaming scenarios. The procedure for obtaining a gambling licence in Curacao implies that, from the moment commercial operations begin, the operator has the obligation to:

• to record each player connection;
• record the amounts of bets and winnings;
• retain information on the types of games, their duration and results;
• document any balance changes;
• keep a log of administrative actions (blocking, limit changes, self-blocking, etc.).

This information is subject to 24-hour access for both internal monitoring purposes and unscheduled inspections by the supervisory authority. Information arrays shall be stored in digital format with the possibility of prompt uploading and in a structured form complying with the requirements established by the Gaming Control Board.

Financial and operational reporting

From the moment the status of operator is granted, the licensee switches to a reporting regime to the regulator. The Curacao gambling licence obliges:

• submit an annual financial report with auditor's confirmation;
• submit interim reports on request (e.g. quarterly results);
• provide information on financial performance, including the volume of transactions, total number of activated accounts and total payments to players;
• send information to the regulator about suspicious money transfers and non-standard bets.

The reporting period must coincide with the calendar year. The final financial report for the completed cycle must be submitted no later than 30 June of the following year. If a postponement is required, a reasoned request must be submitted to the GCB in advance. Failure to comply with the deadline without notification is grounds for a fine or suspension of the licence.

Records Retention and Access Control

The jurisdiction's rules specify minimum retention periods for business records. In particular, running a gambling business in Curacao requires:

• retain all data related to financial transactions for at least 10 years;
• retain technical, organisational and legal documents, including internal regulations, for at least 6 years;
• ensure that information can be recovered in the event of failure or compromise.

In addition to storage, the regulator requires to ensure that access to data is differentiated. Technical staff should not have access to financial information and administrators cannot operate payment gateways without logging. Such measures are aimed at preventing internal fraud and protecting players' rights.

Information and audit obligations

Obtaining a gambling licence in Curacao means recognising the priority of openness before the regulatory authorities. If an operator refuses to provide information, fails to respond to requests or hampers audits, the regulator records a breach of licence conditions. In practice, such actions may lead to temporary blocking of the platform until the identified violations are eliminated.

Companies going through the process of obtaining a gambling licence in Curacao should be aware that obtaining authorisation is only the beginning. Regular administrative duties are an integral part of the licensing model. The effectiveness of an internal compliance system has a direct impact not only on compliance, but also on the reputation of the legal entity in the eyes of banking organisations, business partners and consumers.

Legal regulation: established prohibitions and supervisory measures

Obtaining authorisation from the Gaming Control Board does not equate to the granting of unlimited rights to the entity. The regulation of gambling operators in Curacao is based on the concept of conditional trust, according to which the operator is obliged to strictly comply with the approved requirements and exclude any actions beyond the legal authorisation.

Prohibition on the transfer of licences to third parties

The first principle underlying the regulation is the inadmissibility of delegation of licence rights. A company that has obtained a licence may use it only within the registered legal structure and only for those domain names that have been approved by the regulator.

The issuance of a gambling licence in Curacao does not give the right to resell, assign or lease it to other entities. Any attempt to circumvent this restriction - for example, by creating subsidiary platforms without notifying the GCB - is considered a serious breach and may result in the revocation of the licence without prior notice, fines, blocking of activities and domains, and even blacklisting by the regulator.

When changing the ownership structure, the composition of directors or adding new partners, GCB must be notified in advance and consent must be obtained. This rule also applies to mergers, reorganisations and asset transfers.

Restrictions on players and employees

The Curacao legal regime provides for the establishment of clear restrictions on the range of persons who have access to the gambling functionality. First of all, the right to apply for a licence in Curacao and to operate on its basis is granted only to those companies that technically block the possibility of participation in games for residents of the territory itself.

In addition, it is prohibited to interact with users located in jurisdictions included in the list of countries with restricted access. The said list is formed and regularly updated by the regulatory body.

As part of the Curacao gambling authorisation procedure, there is an obligation for the software to carry out an automatic verification of the above conditions at the registration stage of each customer. Such filters are implemented both through an external interface and through in-built identification and control mechanisms. If an attempt to circumvent the restrictions is detected (e.g. using a VPN to change geolocation), the company must suspend access and notify the regulator.

Conditions for outsourcing functions

Partial transfer of certain processes (e.g., technical support, software development, data processing) to third parties is allowed, but only if there is a formal contract and subject to control by the licensee.

If you plan to obtain a betting licence in Curacao and wish to delegate betting line management, customer support or algorithm setup, it will be required:

• submit an outsourcing contract to the GCB;
• prove the contractor's compliance with regulations;
• ensure that reporting on the outsourced company's activities is readily available;
• ensure that player data is not transmitted unencrypted.

Control of the contractors' actions remains with the licensee. If an outsourcer is found to be in breach, the operator, not the contractor, is liable. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain compliance monitoring even on outsourced processes.

Control over beneficiaries and domain names

Any adjustment affecting the ultimate ownership structure (UBO), reallocation of shares, the authority of managing persons or the addition of new domain addresses is subject to the prior approval of the Gaming Control Board. It is prohibited to:

• add new sites without separate authorisation;
• transfer the rights to use the licence to other projects;
• conceal or understate the participation of beneficiaries;
• disguise the actual ownership structure through nominees.

Obtaining a gambling licence in Curacao means committing to full corporate disclosure and regular updates. Any changes affecting the management of the company must be duly approved. Unauthorised modification of domain pools, launching new platforms or ‘branching out’ the business model without notification is considered as an infringement.

Conclusion

Gambling licensing in Curacao is not just a formal procedure. It is access to a legally stable, technically loyal and cost-effective jurisdiction, suitable for both large-scale projects and start-ups. Over the past two years, the jurisdiction has gone through a profound transformation: abolishing the master licence model, introducing direct government oversight and beginning to integrate international FATF standards. All this has made the Curacao licence a qualitatively new tool in the gambling market.

Opening a gambling company in Curacao is not just a project realisation, but a strategic step towards a legal, scalable and sustainable business. Proper preparation, compliance and a transparent operating model will allow not only to obtain a licence, but also to use it as a lever to enter international markets.