– Thriving Online Gaming Industry: Curaçao remains a leading jurisdiction for online gaming, now reinforced by the new National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK). The updated framework enhances regulatory oversight while maintaining business-friendly policies. Gaming operators benefit from a well-established infrastructure, expert licensing assistance, and access to essential services such as banking, payment processing, and merchant accounts.
– Streamlined Licensing Process: The LOK framework replaces the old master-sub license system with direct B2C and B2B licenses issued by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB). This change provides greater transparency, legal certainty, and a more efficient application process for gaming operators and service providers.
– Special Legal and Financial Advantages: Curaçao enjoys unique legal and financial privileges as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its corporate laws align with international standards, offering businesses a stable and reputable regulatory environment. The jurisdiction also provides tax-efficient structures, multilingual support (Dutch, English, and Papiamento), and easier access to banking services within the EU and beyond.
– Cost-Effective Gaming License: Compared to other licensing jurisdictions, Curaçao offers a competitive cost structure for gaming businesses. The new B2C and B2B licenses under LOK provide clear regulatory guidelines while maintaining affordability for startups and established operators alike.
– Access to a Global Market: A single Curaçao gaming license covers all forms of online gaming, allowing operators to run casino games, sports betting, lotteries, and other gambling activities under one license. While operators must comply with international regulatory requirements when targeting specific jurisdictions, Curaçao remains an attractive gateway for businesses looking to enter the global iGaming industry.

Curacao offers streamlined banking processes, making it easier for businesses to operate:
– Acceptance by EU Banks: Banks within the European Union (EU) can readily accept corporate customers based in Curacao. They provide essential banking features such as payment processing facilities, IBAN accounts, and other necessary services required by a modern online casino.
– Multilingual Advantage: Curacao boasts three official languages – Dutch, English, and the Caribbean dialect. This linguistic diversity significantly facilitates the establishment and management of companies in Curacao. Unlike some jurisdictions in Eastern Europe that only accept their native language for company registration and reporting, Curacao’s multilingual environment offers greater accessibility and ease of business operations.

Establishing a corporate entity in Curaçao remains a straightforward process, with several benefits for gaming operators under the new National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK):
– Simplified Corporate Structure: Curaçao gaming companies typically operate as limited liability entities (N.V.), following a legal structure similar to that of the Netherlands. This alignment with EU-based corporate governance standards makes business operations transparent and easier to manage.
– Flexible Profit Distribution: Gaming companies registered in Curaçao benefit from flexible profit distribution options. They can declare net profits as dividends or retain them for future distribution, providing financial planning advantages. Additionally, dividends are subject to competitive tax rates comparable to those in other EU jurisdictions.
– Competitive Corporate Tax Structure: Companies operating within Curaçao’s designated e-Zone—a special economic area designed to encourage business development—enjoy a low corporate tax rate of just 2% on profits. This incentivizes iGaming businesses to establish a presence in Curaçao while optimizing their financial efficiency.
– No VAT on Gaming Revenue: Unlike in many other jurisdictions, Curaçao does not impose Value Added Tax (VAT) on gaming revenue. This significantly reduces the financial burden on gaming operators and contributes to a more cost-effective licensing and operational process.

Additionally, a noteworthy advantage for a Curacao online casino is that it only requires a single gaming license to offer various gaming activities such as Blackjack, Slots, Video games, Poker, and Lotto. This unified licensing approach reduces the overall cost of obtaining a Curacao license compared to jurisdictions where separate licenses are needed for each individual activity. With iGaming Express’s expertise, your holding company can fully capitalize on these benefits right from the outset.

Curacao offers operator-friendly gaming regulations, backed by a robust IT infrastructure:
– Advanced IT Infrastructure: Curaçao provides online gaming operators and providers with a comprehensive range of services through its advanced IT infrastructure. This includes high-capacity private racks, private cloud services, customized servers, and various hosting options. Such a well-developed IT ecosystem ensures smooth and efficient operations for gaming businesses.
– No Betting Tax: Unlike many other countries, Curacao does not impose any betting tax on casino operators. In places like Sweden and the UK, gaming taxes can be substantial, with operators required to withhold a portion of their customers’ winnings. However, in Curacao, there is no tax on net gaming revenue. Instead, the focus is on corporate profits, resulting in a more favorable tax environment for online gaming businesses.

Overall, Curacao’s operator-friendly gaming regulations and tax policies make it an attractive jurisdiction for online gaming operators seeking a conducive and cost-effective environment to run their businesses.

With the implementation of the new National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK), Curaçao has transitioned away from the old master-sub license system. While the updated framework enhances regulatory transparency and credibility, there are still some considerations operators should be aware of:
– Stricter Regulatory Compliance: Under the LOK framework, gaming operators must adhere to more stringent compliance requirements, including enhanced due diligence, responsible gaming measures, and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. These regulatory improvements may introduce additional operational costs and administrative obligations for license holders.
– Annual License Renewal: Unlike the previous system, where sub-license holders operated under a master license indefinitely, all gaming licenses issued under the LOK framework are valid for a maximum of one year and must be renewed annually. This ensures ongoing compliance but requires operators to undergo periodic regulatory reviews.
– Transition Period for Existing Operators: Existing operators under the old master-sub license system are required to transition to the new regulatory framework. While this transition allows for better oversight and direct licensing under the Gaming Control Board (GCB), it may create temporary uncertainty for businesses adapting to the new licensing model.
– Market-Specific Restrictions: While a Curaçao license provides global access to iGaming markets, operators must comply with local laws and restrictions when targeting specific jurisdictions. Some regulated markets may require additional local licensing, limiting the unrestricted accessibility that previous Curaçao licenses provided.

Despite the introduction of stricter compliance measures and an annual renewal requirement, the new Curaçao licensing framework enhances the jurisdiction’s reputation and credibility in the global gaming industry. These changes aim to establish a fair, transparent, and internationally recognized regulatory environment, making Curaçao a stronger choice for responsible gaming operators.

Under the new National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK), Curaçao has implemented stricter compliance requirements, including clearer guidelines on market restrictions. Operators holding a Curaçao gaming license must adhere to both local and international regulations when determining player eligibility.
– Jurisdictions Where Access is Restricted: Due to regulatory constraints, players from the following countries cannot access online gambling sites licensed in Curaçao: United States, France, Australia, The Netherlands, Curaçao
These restrictions are in place due to either national regulations prohibiting offshore gaming or Curaçao’s own legal framework limiting access within its jurisdiction.
– Compliance with International Market Regulations: Beyond these restricted countries, Curaçao-licensed operators must ensure compliance with each jurisdiction’s local gaming laws when targeting international players. While the Curaçao license does not impose universal restrictions beyond the aforementioned countries, operators are responsible for adhering to local regulations and avoiding unregulated markets.
– KYC, AML, and Responsible Gaming Measures: All Curaçao licensees are required to implement robust Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) protocols. These regulations apply to all players, regardless of location, ensuring that gaming activities are conducted responsibly and legally.
– VPN Usage and Player Responsibility: While online casinos are not obligated to track players who use VPN services to bypass restrictions, they are responsible for ensuring that their platforms comply with applicable regulations. Operators must take reasonable measures to prevent access from restricted jurisdictions and enforce responsible gaming practices.

Under the LOK framework, Curaçao-licensed gaming operators face clearer jurisdictional restrictions and increased regulatory responsibilities. While access is limited in certain countries, operators still benefit from a globally recognized license that allows for international market expansion, provided they comply with local and international laws.