How the Curacao license works and what has changed in version 2. 0

In short: what is "Curaçao 2. 0»

At the end of 2024, a new basic law on LOK games (Landsverordening op de Kansspelen) is in force. It replaces the previous practice of master and sub-licenses and introduces direct licenses, and the GCB regulator officially acts as the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA). For the market, this means uniform rules, transparent registries and tighter supervision.

What happened before

Prior to LOK, the industry relied on the old LBH/NOOGH norm: several master licensees sublicensed hundreds of operators. Control was fragmented, which was criticized by external regulators and payment partners. The reform eliminates this layer and transfers everyone to direct CGA permits.

What changed in "version 2. 0»

1) Direct licensing and new license types

B2C licenses for operators (casino/betting, including live).

B2B/" supplier "licenses for studios, platforms, providers of critical gaming services.

Applications are submitted through the official License Management Portal CGA.

2) Single regulator and new institutional framework

GCB acts as the Curaçao Gaming Authority, with a board of directors and supervisory board empowered online by LOK.

3) Transition period and end of the era of sublicenses

LOK launches a phased migration: portals are open for a "new regime," and historical sublicenses must be brought into line - the transition completes the multi-year master/sublicense model.

4) More stringent compliance requirements

Strengthened RG/AML, fit-and-proper for beneficiaries and key persons, logging, RNG/RTP tech certification, advertising control and accounting for violations in other jurisdictions when evaluating licensed persons.

How to get a license now: candidate route

1. Structure and people: disclosure of beneficiaries, verification of reliability, appointment of key functions (compliance/AML/information security/operations).

2. Technology and content: proof of game integrity (RNG/RTP certification), change-management procedures, round and transaction logs, BCP/DR.

3. Policies: RG (limits/self-exclusion/timeouts), AML/KYC/KYT (including for crypto), data protection.

4. Submission through the CGA portal: forms, packages of documents, integration acts with providers/payments, readiness for audits.

5. Post-license: regular reporting, RTP and RG-KPI monitoring, pentests, advertising and affiliate control.

What it changes for operators

Pros: higher "weight" for banks and content providers; predictable rules; less reputational risks due to "gray" sublicenses.

Cons: above the compliance bar and operating costs; need real RG/AML, not "paper."

Strategy: for those who were sublicensed, it makes sense to prepare a package for B2C and simultaneously license critical suppliers (platform, hosting, studios).

What it changes for players

Transparency: single register and verifiable license numbers.

Protection: mandatory instruments of responsible play, dispute resolution procedures, accounting for foreign violations during supervision.

Game integrity: formalized control of RNG/RTP and build versions.

Transition Frequent Questions

Do I need to re-register from a sublicense?

Yes I did. According to LOK logic, all active operators switch to direct CGA permissions on time using the portal.

Is there a B2B frame now?

Yes, critical gaming service providers get their own licenses/registrations rather than "living under the umbrella" of B2C.

Who exactly is the regulator - GCB or the new structure?

GCB operates under the name Curaçao Gaming Authority, with an updated LOK management framework.

Readiness checklist for "Curaçao 2. 0" (for operator)

• Transparent ownership structure, fit-and-proper passed.
• Key-functions (Compliance/MLRO/InfoSec/Operations) assigned.
• RG/AML/KYC/KYT policies are implemented in the product (limits, self-exclusion, monitoring).
• RNG/RTP certification and update recertification process.
• Round/payment logging, GGR/negative reporting, IR plan and BCP/DR.
• Control of advertising and affiliates (18 +, without mislead), readiness for external requests of other regulators.

«Curaçao 2. 0" is a move away from an "umbrella" sublicense scheme to direct, transparent and risk-oriented supervision: a single portal, B2C/B2B licenses, stronger RG/AML and technical audit. For mature teams, this paves the way for sustainable work in international markets, provided compliance is embedded in the company's product, processes and culture.