Curaçao's New Gaming Regime (LOK & CGA): What Changed
Curaçao replaced its old master/sub-licence model with direct licensing under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) and the new Curaçao Gaming.
Contents
For twenty years Curaçao ran the most-used offshore gaming licence in the world on a quirk: a handful of master licence holders sub-licensed everyone else. That era is over. Under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) and the new Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), operators now hold a licence directly — and the economics, substance and paperwork changed with it.
- The master/sub-licence model is gone — operators are now licensed directly by the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA).
- Expect real local substance (a Curaçao company, a local presence) — though the substance-enforcement deadline now runs to April 2027 — and a proper application, not a same-day sub-licence.
- The headline figure most old guides still quote (~$17,500) is stale — budget on the current LOK schedule instead.
- Curaçao’s advantage is unchanged: the broadest PSP and acquiring-bank acceptance of any offshore regime.
What actually changed in Curaçao
The old system let a few “master” licensees issue “sub-licences” to operators, often in days and with minimal oversight. The LOK abolished that. Now there is a single, direct licence issued and supervised by the CGA, with a real application, real due diligence and real ongoing obligations. It is still an offshore licence — but a modernised one, built to answer the reputational and banking questions that dogged the old model.
A lot of guides still quote a ~$17,500 sub-licence fee and a same-week turnaround. That was the old model. Under the LOK the cost base and timeline are different — always price against the current CGA schedule, not a legacy figure.
Who Curaçao is still right for
Curaçao’s enduring edge is payments. It carries the broadest PSP and acquiring-bank acceptance of any offshore gaming jurisdiction — which is exactly why established B2C operators pay its higher fee and accept its substance requirements rather than opting for a cheaper permit. If banking acceptance is your priority and you can meet the substance, Curaçao remains a top choice.
If your priority is instead the fastest, cheapest route to a live licence — and you can solve banking separately — a leaner offshore permit like Anjouan or Tobique may fit better.
The reform also has a sharp end. In July 2026 the CGA published the procedure for revoking and surrendering licences, and it is stricter than most operators assume — what happens when the CGA rejects or revokes a licence is worth reading before you rely on a provisional permit.
Direct supervision also means the CGA now issues policy guidelines and expects them followed on a date. The nearest one is its April 2026 terms-and-conditions guideline, which gives every B2C licensee until 8 October 2026 to rewrite its player-facing terms against nine prescribed coverage areas — including an active-consent mechanism that is product work, not a legal edit.
Curaçao vs. the offshore options
| Factor | Curaçao (CGA) | Anjouan |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Direct CGA licence | Direct ALSI licence |
| Banking acceptance | Broadest offshore | Good, improving |
| Local substance | Required | None required |
| Speed | Months | 4–8 weeks |
| Best for | Established B2C + banking | Speed, cost, crypto |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Curaçao master/sub-licence still available?
No. Under the LOK the master/sub-licence model has been replaced by direct licensing from the Curaçao Gaming Authority. New operators apply to the CGA directly.
Does Curaçao now require local substance?
Yes — expect a Curaçao company and a genuine local presence, which is part of what makes the modernised licence more bankable than the old sub-licence.
Is Curaçao still worth it versus Anjouan?
If banking acceptance is your priority and you can meet the substance, yes. If you want the fastest, lowest-cost route, Anjouan or Tobique usually win. We size both against your product before you commit.
Sources
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional before acting.
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