Curacao Gaming License - Best Curaçao Casinos 2025
Peter Schmidt| Curaçao License Details | |
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| Supervisory authority | Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB) |
| Address | Emancipatie Boulevard Dominico F. "Don" Martina 23 Willemstad, Curaçao |
| Established | April 19, 1999 |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone number | +(599 9) 737-2299 |
| Website | gamingcontrolcuracao.org |
| Best casino | Stake Casino |
If you've been gambling online at any point over the last few years, and checked the casino's licensing, you'll more times than not see that it's from Curacao.
Or at least feel that way since so many of the top operators choose it.
While we've all come to learn that Curacao is one of the top eGaming regulators, this position and prevalence wasn't so clear from day one. After all, what do online gambling and a small Caribbean Island have in common?
A lot it turns out. Stability, time-proven reliability and the ability to successfully keep up with the times. From land-based casino licensing where it began, through to becoming the choice regulator of some of the best iGaming brands.
Best Curacao Licensed Online Casinos 2025 – List of Licensees
  
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The History of the Curacao Gaming License
The history of the Curacao gaming license dates back as far as 1993 with the origination of the National Offshore Gambling Decree, followed by actual licenses issued in 1996.
The Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB) itself, however, was only founded in April, 1999. It was inspired by the Mutual Evaluation Report of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, just one year prior, and in essence acts on its findings.
As for how the whole project came about, the authorities here recognized that becoming a regulator of the gaming industry was an excellent niche they could fill, bringing jobs and income home.
Curacao is an autonomous country that is a constituent of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Located in the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela, it has a population of less than 150,000.MoreLess
Its goal was to help boost the economy and provide a steady source of income for locals, and the GCB vision in how this would be done was based on providing value "by ensuring all gaming is conducted honestly, responsibly, competitively and free from criminal and corruptive elements."
A comprehensive solution to preserve public interest while maintaining its own integrity as an authority, the GCB is responsible for regulation, licensing, and enforcement, offering what we'd call full cycle protection and oversight.
The GCB originally oversaw the activities of land-based casinos, then took on more areas of gambling including bingo, lottery games. Later, the online gaming sector was added to the list, tasked by the Minister of Finance of Curacao,
There are modernisation efforts currently underway in the online gaming sector to make it more in tune with international standards and further safeguard responsible gaming in licensed jurisdictions. And these ongoing efforts, instead of just settling, is one of the reasons why it remains one of the best recognised and respected licenses in the iGaming industry.
Activities Covered by the Curacao Gaming Control Board
The Curacao Gaming Control Board plays a crucial role in the online gaming industry, across three main parameters:
- Provide licensing and regulatory authority - The GCB issues licenses to online gaming operators who want to conduct business in Curacao itself, or more likely remote gaming services from Curacao. It also regulates land-based casinos, bingo, national lotteries, lotteries of goods, and other games of chance.
- Ensure supervisory oversight - The board goes on to ensure compliance with Curacao's gaming laws and regulations, enforce AML/CTF regulations to prevent illicit financial activities, and promote fair gaming practices to protect consumer interests.
- Maintain industry integrity - By enforcing strict regulations to ensure the integrity of the gaming industry, the GCB protects casino players as much as Curacao's reputation as a reputable jurisdiction for online gaming.1
Strict Curacao Licensing Requirements
The application process for a Curacao license is long and involved, which ultimately is a good thing to ensure operators are committed, reliable, and a safe bet.
In order to submit an application, the operator first has to fill in an Online Gaming Application Form, include a detailed business plan, a Personal History Disclosure Form, and a Corporate and Business Information Form.2
The licensing process
The forms can be submitted online, and overall require that the requestor provide significant background information and proof of various abilities.3 These include things like:
- Being a company registered in Curacao, with a physical presence on the island
- Sufficient financial resources to operate, and maintain a certain level of capital
- Independently tested gaming software
- The ability to manage player registration and verification
- Systems that comply with security standards
- Various player protections and a responsible gaming policy in place
In addition to providing all of the relevant information, a licensing fee must also be paid.
After submission, the documentation is reviewed, and approved only when all of the requirements are met. There is generally some back and forth in between. This will usually take 3-4 months from start to finish.
Once approved, the license is valid for one year after which it needs to be renewed.
Benefits of a Curacao Gaming License
There are a number of benefits of an e-gaming license issued by the Curacao Gaming Control Board. They are mostly for the operator, though they can also have a positive impact on players.
- Strong international recognition. Curacao is a well-established jurisdiction with a long history of regulating online gaming. As such, a Curacao license is recognised and respected around the world. Players have similarly taken notice and trust its stamp of approval.
- Flexible regulatory framework. While strict, the regulatory framework in Curacao is relatively flexible compared to other jurisdictions, allowing for quicker and easier licensing processes.
- Cost effective. Although not the cheapest option, it's not prohibitively expensive either. And since Curacao has no VAT and super low corporate income tax, it can be all the more attractive.
- Covers a wide range of gaming activities. A Curacao license allows operators to offer a variety of gambling products, including sports, casino, bingo, and lotteries.
- Reasonable processing time. Although it can take a few months to complete, the process can be expedited with the right documentation submitted, and cut to as little as a month for operators revving to get started.
- Great for crypto gambling. There are no restrictions on cryptocurrency with a Curacao operating license, making it particularly in tune with today's casino banking needs.
- Backed by reputable partners. The GCB keeps good company, partnering with the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Curaçao on anti-money laundering (AML) and the countering of terrorism financing initiatives; Fundashon pa Maneho di Adikshon for promoting responsible gaming; the National Council on Problem Gambling in efforts against gambling addiction; and the International Association of Gaming Regulators to learn from and share knowledge with their in the gaming industry.
There are, however, a few limitations to the Curacao licensing process. For starters, from the operator's perspective, the exact licensing requirements for a Curacao gaming license can be complex and are subject to change.
Some also perceive the Curacao licensing process as less stringent compared to other jurisdictions like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commissions, though we don't really agree.
Curacao Gaming License Options for Casinos
There were originally two types of licenses issued to online gaming operators, allowing one to apply directly for a gaming license, or register as a sub licensee.
The online gaming license was and continues to be for an individual operator that wants to get a license directly from the GCB. While a sub-license was a type of license granted by a master license holder to a third-party operator, essentially allowing the master license holder to delegate certain gaming activities to the sub-licensee under the umbrella of its master license.However, as far as we understand, this two-tier system has been abolished with the new regulatory framework in Curacao, requiring all operators to obtain a direct license.
You can see if an operator is GCB certified, usually in its website footer, where the official license seal is displayed.
Guidelines for casino operators on how to properly display the license seal.MoreLess
Curacao B2B and B2C Licenses
Since there are different needs in the remote gambling market, the government of Curacao in cooperation with the Minister of Finance has created two separate types of licenses.
The B2B one addresses the needs of software providers, as in those who create the online slots and live casino games. The B2C license is the one you'll see on an actual casino website, with the casino being the business serving you the customer.
How Does the Curacao License Compare to Other Gaming Certificates?
There are a number of reputable licensing bodies in the iGaming space - all of which meet our standards for recommendation as safe online casino. For our purposes, any of the big ones like MGA, or the UK Gambling Commission are just as good. The differences are mostly from the operator's perspective, not really affecting you as a player. But we'll do a bit of a comparison, for interest's sake.
Curacao vs. Malta casino license
Curacao and Malta are both popular jurisdictions for online gaming licenses. And rightfully so. For you as a player, you won't feel any difference, with both being reputable and safe. But there are reasons operators choose one over the other.
For the Curacao route, it could simply boil down to the generally lower licensing fees and operational costs compared to Malta. A simpler application process with a faster turnaround time, and some would argue less stringent regulations compared to Malta.
These factors, however may mean that the perception of an MGA license is that of being more credible and trustworthy with stricter regulations and player protection measures. Which could be true to an extent as it's certainly recognised as one of the most reputable and respected gaming jurisdictions, especially for those in the EU.
Curacao vs. Anjouan casino license
In comparison to Anjouan licensing, Curacao is a more established jurisdiction, with a longer-standing reputation.
The Anjouan Gaming License, however, is cheaper with lower licensing fees and operational costs. Plus a quicker application and approval process. But it's still relatively new, and what might be called an emerging jurisdiction. Which means it may not have the same level of recognition and trust as Curacao certification.
As such, it may face limitations in certain markets, though it's quickly gaining ground and credibility amongst operators and players.
Curacao vs. UK Gambling Commission casino license
While the GCB is respected, pretty much no one holds a candle to the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
True, the Curacao gaming license will have lower fees, faster processing, less stringent regulations, and a more lenient approach. All great for operators, and often in turn players.
But the UK being the UK is probably the most stringent in the sector. This means it's obviously considered one of the most reputable and respected gaming regulators, with very strict and specific regulations, focused very much on player protection measures.
It's also the operator's ticket into the highly desirable and potentially lucrative UK market. And ensures the highest levels of fairness, safety, and security. But it's quite hard to get, costly, and takes a fair bit of time to process.
So while perhaps considered the gold standard in gambling licensing, it is not necessarily within reach for all casinos; nor is it always worth it for them to pay the premium if they're fine with skipping UK players.
How to File a Complaint with the Curacao Authorities
Unfortunately, and perhaps this is a true downside of a Curacao license, is that the GCB does not handle disputes between players and casino operators. That means if you have a complaint, you will have to figure out how to resolve it directly with the online casino.
Though you can submit it to the GCB if you want, since there's no harm in sending. And as the GCB itself states: "If a complaint or a pattern of complaints indicates a possible violation of the law, we may take appropriate action."
Why Choose a Curacao Licensed Casino
There's no reason to go in search of a Curacao licensed casino in particular, though you won't have to look too far to find one. That's because an increasing number of excellent operators are using Curacao licensing. And this is especially true of crypto casinos, as Curacao licensing has become more or less synonymous with the genre.
For example, all of the casinos operating under the powerful Dama N.V. brand that we've reviewed - including Betandplay and BitStarz - are Curacao licensed, as well as the superb crypto casinos Stake, Roobet, and Bitsler.
Website footer of Bitsler casino with the license seal displayedMoreLess
Where to Find Curacao Licensed Providers
Your best bet for finding a Curacao licensed casino that you're going to love, is to try any one of our recommended ones in the list above. Alternately, you could go to the GCB website and work your way through the entire 'Online Gaming License Registry'4 which covers well over 150 operators.
But the former suggestion is going to be better. Besides saving you time, trying our recommended Curacao licensed casinos means that you'll be getting a vetted online gambling experience. In addition to safety, you'll enjoy easy banking, good bonus offers, and convenient cashouts. All important factors in choosing where to play.
The Expert Roundup on a Curacao eGaming License
While the benefits of a Curacao gaming license are clear from an operator's perspective - lower costs, faster processing, and more flexible regulations, we assume you're not opening an online casino and want to know what's in it for you.
Bottom line, despite the flexibility, the Curacao certification is actually quite stringent, and is in the process of becoming even more so especially in terms of responsible gaming initiatives. But most of all, the GCB is definitely an enforcer of fair, honest, and legal remote gaming. This means when you choose a Curacao licensed operator you're opting for safety, which is always going to be the most important thing.
References:
[1] https://www.gamingcontrolcuracao.org/about-us
[2] https://portal.gamingcontrolcuracao.org/page/forms
[3] https://portal.gamingcontrolcuracao.org/page/license-conditions
[4] https://www.gamingcontrolcuracao.org/en/133i348441001
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