As of October 2, 2023
Revised Legislation Update
Portal Access and Guidelines
Every operator, be it new or currently operating, is mandated to have an individual account on the designated portal. An account corresponds to a singular operator and is not to be used for varied applications or registrations. These operators should legally operate under the purview of Curaçao laws. They might already be active participants in the online gaming ecosystem under a NOOGH-based license or might be new entrants aspiring for an online gaming license.
Legislation Evolution
Curaçao’s government is on the path to revising and contemporizing its online gambling regulations. A forthcoming act, termed as “Landsverordening op de kansspelen” (Lok), is slated to supersede the existing National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (Landsverordening buitengaatse hazardspelen, P.B. 1993, no. 63) or NOOGH.
*In view of the imminent Lok enactment, Curaçao’s Finance Ministry has resumed the licensing procedure under the established NOOGH guidelines.
Current Operators and Licensing
In light of the impending Lok, the government is deliberating on transitional provisions for operators that currently hold a NOOGH license. This initiative aims to offer them an interim operational window without the immediate compulsion of a new license acquisition. This primarily concerns operators under a sub-license. They will need to align with the online portal, ensuring they furnish accurate details to ascertain their legitimate establishment in Curaçao.
Expectedly, the registration interface will be operational from November 1, 2023, with no associated registration charges.
Licensing Procedures for New Entrants
Prospective licensees are advised to initiate their formalities by registering on the designated portal and collating the required documentation. These can be sourced from this link. The stipulated forms include:
- The Online Gaming Application Form
- Details regarding Business and Corporate affiliations
- A comprehensive Personal History Disclosure Form
It’s worth noting that the “Personal History Disclosure Form” is essential for:
- Principal shareholders with a stake of over 10%
- Executive board members
- Key personnel, inclusive of roles like the CEO or Compliance overseer.
All submissions need a digital format, with manual submissions being non-compliant. Digital signatures, where required, can be appended using tools like Acrobat Reader or Acrobat Pro.
As of 12.7.2023
Updates regarding the Curacao licenses:
Starting from September 1, 2023, Curacao sub-licenses will no longer be renewed, which means if your company has one, it won’t be valid. But don’t worry, we have a great alternative license that is quite similar to Curacao. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a message for more details.
What is the difference between B2B VS B2C licenses?
Curacao is a well-known jurisdiction that grants online gaming licenses to operators. Curacao eGaming Authority is the regulatory body in charge of issuing the licenses. Curacao eGaming licenses are going to be divided into two types:
- Curacao gaming license B2B
- Curacao gaming license B2C
Companies that provide gaming services to other companies are granted B2B licenses, whereas companies that provide gaming services to players are granted B2C licenses. The primary goal of this research is to investigate the differences between the Curacao gaming license B2B and B2C, as well as their features, requirements, and benefits to licensees.
The benefits of Curacao B2B and B2C gaming licenses
B2B Curacao Gaming License:
A Curacao gaming license B2B is issued to companies that provide gaming services to other companies. These services may include software development, game hosting, and other related services. The licensee may provide gaming services to other businesses without obtaining a separate license. The following are the primary requirements for obtaining a B2B license:
- The business must be registered in Curacao or have a representative office there.
- The company must have a well-defined business plan as well as financial projections.
- The business must have a valid operating agreement with its customers.
- The organization must have a strong anti-money laundering and responsible gaming policy in place.
- The organization must have a secure and dependable IT infrastructure.
The following are the primary advantages of a Curacao gaming license B2B:
- Tax rates are low in comparison to other jurisdictions.
- Application procedure that is both quick and efficient
- There is no requirement for physical presence in Curacao.
- Access to a variety of payment options
- Low operating expenses
B2C Curacao Gaming License changes:
Companies that provide gaming services directly to players are granted a Curacao gaming license B2C. The licensee is permitted to offer a variety of games, including casino games, sports betting, and lottery games.
The following are the primary requirements for obtaining a B2C license:
- The business must be registered in Curacao or have a representative office there.
- The company must have a well-defined business plan as well as financial projections.
- The business must have a valid operating agreement with its customers.
- The organization must have a strong anti-money laundering and responsible gaming policy in place.
- The organization must have a secure and dependable IT infrastructure.
- Curacao must have a physical presence for the company.
The following are the primary advantages of a Curacao gaming license B2C:
- Tax rates are low in comparison to other jurisdictions.
- Application procedure that is both quick and efficient.
- Access to a variety of payment options.
- There are no restrictions on the types of games that can be provided.
- There is no need for a local partnership or sponsorship.
Curacao Gaming License B2B and B2C Comparison:
The target market is the primary distinction between the two types of licenses. B2B licenses are intended for businesses that provide gaming services to other businesses, whereas B2C licenses are intended for businesses that provide gaming services directly to players. B2B licenses do not require a physical presence in Curacao, whereas B2C licenses do. Both licenses necessitate a strong anti-money laundering and responsible gaming policy, as well as a safe IT infrastructure. Both licenses provide low tax rates and access to a variety of payment options.
New updates on Curacao gaming license new regulation by the Curacao Gaming Authority in summer 2023
Curacao is implementing a new regulation to overhaul the entire licensing system for the island’s gaming industry, set to be launched in the summer of 2023. This will see the creation of an independent regulatory body, the Curacao Gaming Authority, replacing the Curacao Gaming Control Board. The new authority will issue independent B2C and B2B licenses, with already licensed companies under the previous regime having a chance to express interest in a new permission. The consequences of operating without a gambling license are serious, with unlicensed casinos developing a bad reputation among players.
