Curacao — Small Island with Big Impact on Online Gambling

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Xenia Luch

03 October 2023

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Curacao

Curacao is known for its beautiful beaches, architecture, and rich culture. But there is another reason why Curacao attracts visitors from all over the world: gambling.

Brief History of Curacao

Curacao is a small island in the Caribbean Sea that is part of the Netherlands but has its own government and laws.

It was first discovered by the Spanish in 1499, then taken over by the Dutch in 1634, who made it a center for the slave trade. In 2010, Curacao became a separate country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

map of Curacao

Curacao is a 444 km2 oceanic island. It is a thin island with a generally hilly topography. Willemstad is the capital city of Curacao.

Why Choose Curacao for Online Gambling?

There are several advantages of obtaining the license for operators:

  • Low tax rates.
  • All-in-one license that covers all types of online gambling.
  • Minimal requirements for software providers and hosting servers.
  • No personal presence needed.
Willemstad
Willemstad, the capital of Curacao

What Do Operators Need to Do to Get Curacao License?

The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) oversees all gambling licensing in the region. Applications for an online gaming license are processed through their dedicated portal (portal.gamingcontrolcuracao.org).

To apply for an online gambling license, 3 forms must be completed:

  • The Online Gaming Application Form
  • The Business and Corporate Information Form
  • The Personal History Disclosure Form

The latter isn’t limited to the company’s beneficial owner. It also needs to be completed by other key figures associated with the company, like the CEO or creditors linked to the applicant company.

Speaking of the application process, it requires operators to complete the following steps:

  1. Prepare the documents: This includes a copy of passport, an income declaration, a bank statement, a business plan, a notarized copy of a criminal record clearance, information about gaming activities (types of games, currencies used, number of domains, game providers, brand name, etc.).
  2. Register a trust company: It has to be registered in Curaçao with a local managing director. 
  3. Host servers: But only in Curaçao. They are also allowed to use an intermediary company to facilitate this process. 
  4. Pay the fees: The annual license fee is 120,000 ANG (about €64,000). At the time of issuing the license, you only need to pay 1/3 of this amount upfront, with the rest split into monthly installments. The fee includes up to 40 domain names. Extra domains cost 500 ANG (about €267) each annually.
  5. Wait for approval: The document processing time varies from 4 to 8 weeks.

Regulatory Changes in Curacao

Right now, gambling licenses in Curaçao are issued and regulated exclusively by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB). Any operator looking to get licensed must submit their application directly to this authority. On top of licensing, the GCB also oversees compliance for all registered sports betting and gambling operators in the jurisdiction.

But before September 1, 2023, there were 4 master license holders that could issue sub-licenses to other online gambling operators. These master license holders were fully responsible for the actions and compliance of their sub-licensees. The key players under this system were: 

  • Gaming Curaçao
  • Cyberluck Curaçao N.V.
  • Antillephone N.V.
  • Curaçao Interactive Licensing N.V.

    Pros and Cons of Curacao Gaming License


    Pros


    Cons

    • One license for poker, sports betting, casinos, etc.

    • License in 4-8 weeks with basic documents.

    • Tax rates are low, charging 2% on net profit and 0% on corporate income tax.

    • Less credibility than licenses from entities like UKGC and MGA.

    • Low trust by IMF, FSI, and OECD, as Curacao is an offshore tax haven.

    • Local licenses required in some markets (UK, France, Italy, etc).

    Online Gambling Operators Licensed by Curacao

    There are over 500 of operators that hold the license. Some of them are:

    • Stake.com
    • 1xBet
    • BetWinner
    • Pinnacle
    • Sportsbet.io
    • Mostbet

    Is Curacao Still the Gambling Paradise It Once Was?

    Big changes hit Curacao’s gambling scene in 2024. The island, long seen as a paradise for sports betting and online gaming operators, is shifting gears with a major licensing shakeup. The government’s goal? To boost transparency.

    At the heart of this reform is the launch of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), which is set to replace the old Gaming Control Board (GCB). And the CGA’s introduction is only the first step. More adjustments are expected to follow.

    Fun Facts

    • Watch out for the Manzanilla boom, the most dangerous tree in the world. It grows in Curacao, and it has poisonous sap and fruits that can harm you. Don’t touch it or hide under it from the rain!
    Manzanilla boom
    • Did you know that Curacao was almost sold to Germany in 1863? The island was so poor that the Dutch wanted to get rid of it. But an oil refinery opened in 1916 and changed its fate.
    • What language do they speak in Curacao? It’s called Papiamento, and it’s a mix of many languages, like Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and English.