Curaçao is one of the most well-known and attractive licensors in the iGaming world. The island, which is part of the Kingdom of the…
Curaçao is one of the most well-known and attractive licensors in the iGaming world. The island, which is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, offers cheap and easy-to-obtain master licenses that allow issuing sublicenses to other gambling operators. This enables online casinos to operate in different regions without the need for separate permissions.
However, in 2023, everything will change. Curaçao plans to update its gambling legislation and introduce a new licensing system that will better comply with international standards and requirements. The new system will eliminate master licenses and sublicenses, introducing only two types of permits: B2C (for operators) and B2B (for game providers, platforms, and payment systems). Additionally, operators will be required to have a physical presence in Curaçao, including an office and key personnel. Tax incentives and the ability to use cryptocurrencies will also be introduced.
To facilitate the transition to the new system, the Curaçao government has provided holders of master licenses with a grace period until September 2023, when their licenses expire. During this period, they can continue to operate under the old rules and issue sublicenses. Afterward, they must apply for a new permit within 90 days or cease their operations.
What does this mean for operators and players? On one hand, the new system may lead to an increase in the quality and security of gambling operations in Curaçao, as well as increased trust from regulators and consumers. On the other hand, the new system may entail increased costs and complexities for operators seeking a license in Curaçao or wishing to continue operating under it. There may also be a shortage of available licenses for new operators entering the market.
In any case, operators and players should be aware of the changes happening in Curaçao and prepare for them in advance.
