Curacao Online Casino Licensing Authority

Sublicense

To obtain a Curacao license, an online casino site must apply for one via one of the companies holding a master's license. Both sub-license and master license holders are authorized to operate internet gambling, such as sports betting, casinos, poker, and lotteries.

Sub-licenses were valid indefinitely with an annual renewal. However, given the announcement about upcoming changes to Curacao’s licensing and regulatory process, the government may review current license holders. As Curacao sets up its regulatory agency, the government seeks to control license issuance. In the past, only the master license holder could revoke a sub-license. The old structure is likely to change significantly as Curacao implements new procedures.

Online Casinos Licensed by Curacao Master License Holders

Historically, it’s easier to obtain a casino license in Curacao than in most other regions. Still, applicants must complete several steps before receiving the license approval. Traditionally, the timeframe from application to approval is shorter than in other regions, which may take up to a year to issue a license.

From a few days to six weeks, Curacao’s casino licensing system is quick and business-friendly. Yet, disreputable actors have slipped through the cracks in the process, prompting the government to opt for handling licensing at the government level. The region’s finance minister indicates changes are imminent, including a transfer of power from master license holders to government officials.

License Requirements

After registering the domain in the Curacao region, a business may register with a limited liability company to operate. Operators must hire a local representative and maintain a physical server located in Curacao to meet the licensing obligations.

Following AML/CFT rules, licensing authorities must check the personal background of each applicant. These in-depth inquiries include a review of finances, identity, and country of residence. The applicant must have a clean record with no criminal history.

Licensing requires the submission of a significant amount of documentation, including:

• Terms and Conditions
• Software
• Resume
• Reference
• Bank Letter
• Identification
• Domain ownership
• Accountant or Lawyer Letter

Once the applicant submits the required paperwork, processing may take up to six weeks to obtain approval for qualified businesses. Startup costs are reasonable at present. Historically, applicants obtain a license for between $20,000 to $30,000. Acquiring a gaming license in Curacao may include various expenses, such as:

• Personnel
• Document registration
• License application fee
• Bank account
• Server costs
• Office equipment
• Taxes
• Consultation

Currently, one of the least expensive licenses in the industry, Curacao offers several benefits to operators launching new casinos or online betting sites in the region.

Casinos Approved by Curacao License for Rwandan Players

After obtaining a license in Curacao, operators may offer services in any country which accepts the license. Nations across the globe do not ban Curacao licensed sites, including Australia, Canada, Japan, India, and Poland. If an approved operator adheres to Curacao and regional laws, it may continue operating in multinational areas. Penalties for failing to comply with legal parameters may result in loss of the license or financial penalties.

To date, master license holders drive and implement policies for handling operator and player disagreements. However, many complaints against unethical Curacao licensed businesses have led to a change in the system by the government.

Operators may not provide services to citizens in specific regions, including Curacao, France, the United States, the Netherlands, and Aruba. However, in the regions where the license is welcome, the operators may use a license to provide a variety of gambling services.

Pros and Cons of Applying for the Curacao License for Rwandan Operators

License flexibility is a plus for operators who seek to offer several gaming options to consumers. Since one license covers all betting types, master license holders and sub-license holders are free to provide nearly unlimited gaming to citizens across the globe, including sportsbooks, casinos, and lotteries. Since the process is historically one of the fastest license approvals on the market, operators appreciate the quick approval timeframe. With zero corporate tax on revenue and a 2% net gains tax, the region continues to attract companies seeking a favorable business environment.

Pros:

• Cutting-edge technology
• Best-known casino games
• World-renowned names for virtual games and esports.
• A wide spectrum of e-betting services
• Lifetime validity
• Tax benefits
• Additional technical and financial support

Curacao boasts some of the fastest internet connectivity and advanced IT infrastructure in the western hemisphere. This is facilitated by numerous submarine optic fiber cables, direct satellites, and a level 4 data center. Besides regulating gambling sites, Curacao eGaming offers financial and technical assistance.

The services include international finance, private cloud services, and dedicated services. The economy highly depends on fintech and financial services, and that's why the country invests in decent infrastructure. Online casinos hosted in Curacao do not have web hosting issues.