By Alex Rivera · Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: To get a Curaçao gaming licence in 2026 you apply directly to the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), in force since 24 December 2024. Expect a €4,592 application fee, annual fees of €47,450 for a B2C (operator) licence, local substance (key persons, office and servers in Curaçao), full AML and responsible-gambling programmes, and a review of up to 24 weeks.
The LOK replaced the old master-licence and sub-licence system. Operators no longer buy a sub-licence from a master licensee; every operator and B2B supplier is licensed and supervised directly by the CGA, formerly the Gaming Control Board.
Curaçao licence costs at a glance
| Fee | B2C (operator) | B2B (supplier) |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | €4,592 | €4,592 |
| Annual licence fee (National Treasury) | €24,490 | n/a |
| Annual supervisory fee (CGA) | €22,960 | €24,490 |
| Total annual fees | €47,450 | €24,490 |
| Per additional main domain | €250 | n/a |
| Per-person add-ons | €150 per UBO; €128 per qualified-interest holder | Same |
Fees from the CGA’s updated LOK fee policy, as reported by AGB (Nov 2025), and Legal 500’s Curaçao gambling law guide. Fees may be indexed annually; budget separately for legal, compliance and local office costs.
Step-by-step: how to get a Curaçao gaming licence
- Choose the licence type. B2C for operating an online casino, sportsbook or poker site; B2B if you supply software, hosting or payment services.
- Set up a Curaçao company with real substance. You need local key persons, a rented office and local servers, plus a registered office, local representation and accounts kept in Curaçao.
- Appoint fit and proper key persons. Directors, UBOs and key function holders must show relevant experience and pass integrity checks; key roles are notified to and approved by the CGA.
- Build your compliance framework. AML/CFT policies, business and customer risk assessments, an independent compliance officer, staff training and annual independent audits. Customer due diligence applies from NAf 4,000 (≈€1,926), and unusual transactions are reported to the FIU via goAML.
- Write your responsible-gambling programme. The CGA’s policy requires age verification, self-assessment, behaviour tracking, cooling-off, self-exclusion and deposit limits, a Responsible Gaming Officer, and no credit-based wagering.
- Submit the application through the CGA portal with corporate, ownership, financial and technical documents, and pay the €4,592 application fee.
- Pass the two-phase review. Phase 1 (integrity and financials) takes 8 weeks, extendable by 4; Phase 2 (full compliance) another 8, extendable by 4. A provisional licence of up to 6 months (extendable by 6) may be issued during Phase 2.
- Pay annual fees and stay compliant. Invoices are due within 14 days; unpaid fees after 71 days lead to licence revocation.
Is a Curaçao licence still worth it?
- Pros: lower cost than Malta or the UK, one licence covering casino, sports and poker, and a faster path to market than most tier-1 regulators.
- Cons: higher substance and compliance demands than the old sub-licence model, and many regulated markets (UK, most of the EU, US states) still require their own local licence.
- Best for: operators targeting markets that accept international licences, as a first licence before adding local ones.
FAQ
How much does a Curaçao gaming licence cost in 2026?
A €4,592 application fee plus €47,450 a year for a B2C licence (€24,490 licence fee and €22,960 supervisory fee). B2B supplier licences cost €24,490 a year.
How long does it take to get a Curaçao licence?
Up to 24 weeks from a complete application for B2C, in two review phases; B2B decisions are due within 8 weeks, extendable to 16.
Can I still get a Curaçao sub-licence?
No. Under the LOK, the master/sub-licence model was replaced by direct licensing from the Curaçao Gaming Authority.
Who regulates gambling in Curaçao?
The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), formerly the Gaming Control Board, acting on behalf of the Minister of Finance.
Do I need to be physically present in Curaçao?
Yes, to a degree: the LOK requires local key persons, a local office, local servers and local representation.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change; confirm with the CGA or a licensed adviser before applying. CliqBetter offers gaming licensing support (disclosure: our service). After licensing, see how to market a Curaçao casino brand.
