Why Curacao remains a popular jurisdiction

1) What has changed and why interest has not disappeared

In December 2024, a new LOK (Landsverordening op de Kansspelen) law came into force, which abolished the old "master/sublicense" system and moves the market to direct licensing through the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA). The reform strengthened the requirements for AML/RG, protection of funds and technical supervision, but retained the key advantages of jurisdiction - an understandable process and a quick time-to-market.

💡 In 2025, the CGA confirms that the implementation of LOK continues normally, despite the personnel reshuffle in the supervisory authorities. This is important for the predictability of launches and extensions.

2) Why Curaçao is still "in the top" with operators

1) Affordable licensing economics. State duties and the aggregate audit/certification check are lower than in "premium" jurisdictions (Malta, IOM), which is critical for MVP and niche projects.

2) Speed and predictability. The online filing portal and the unification of procedures for LOK have simplified the application and communications with the regulator - less "manual mode," more checklists.

3) Wide product perimeter. One license covers the main verticals (slots, live, rates, lotto, etc.) without a cascade of separate permissions - more convenient for multi-product sites.

4) Crypto-friendliness "with rules." After LOK, jurisdiction became stricter for KYC/AML/CTF and online screening, but did not close the doors for crypto payments and Web3 mechanics - a rare combination of "permissiveness + control."

5) Reputational rehabilitation. From the "light-touch" approach, Curaçao goes to more mature supervision (direct licenses, digital compliance sales, tech audits) - this expands the pool of PSP and content partners.

3) What exactly gives LOK (and why it is a plus for business)

Direct licensing B2C/B2B instead of sub-rights (simplifies group structure and interaction with providers).

A single regulator (CGA) with clearer rules for compliance, inspections and reporting.

Transition period for migration from "sublicenses" to direct permits (important for the continuity of operations of existing operators).

4) Comparative pros of Curaçao

Low entry threshold and OPEX to start, especially compared to MGA/IOM/UKGC.

Fast go-live with ready platform/certifications (RNG, security).

Flexibility by geo-model (cross-border where legal) and by payment methods, including crypto, subject to AML.

Wide ecosystem of suppliers familiar with Curaçao requirements (aggregators, PSP, KYC/AML providers).

5) Limitations and "downside"

The image is inferior to "Tier-1" licenses. For a number of banks/partners, MGA/IOM/UK remains more "prestigious." This is not a blocker, but it affects the marketing perimeter and commission rates.

List of banned geos and tougher AML. Under LOK, you will have to discipline the geoblock and online screening; "gray" practices lead to sanctions faster.

Transitional deadlines. It is important for incumbent operators to complete the direct license migration in time to avoid disruption risks.

6) Who Curaçao suits particularly well

MVP/niche projects with a plan for subsequent "escalation" to a more prestigious license.

Crypto-first operators ready for Travel Rule, online screening and segregation of funds.

B2B providers/aggregators who need a fast legal anchor for pilots and scaling.

7) What to budget and time line (in general terms)

Application and annual contributions + costs for KYC/AML/online analytics providers.

Platform/RNG certifications and tech audits for the new LOK rules.

Migration reserve (if you switch from a sublicense): contracts, domains, payment routes, notifications to players.

8) "Curaçao 2025 readiness" checklist

1. Direct CGA license (or transition migration plan).

2. KYC/AML/RG policies and technological evidence (logs, case management, on-chain screening).

3. Certified RNG/games and environment security (WORM, RBAC/MFA logs).

4. Geocontour and marketing-compliance (18 +/responsible game, fair disclosure of bonuses, prohibition of "risk-free").

5. Payment rails (PSP/crypto) with Travel Rule procedures and segregation of funds.

9) Short FAQ

Is it true that the "old" master licenses are still valid?

LOK canceled master/sub model; the market is moving to direct CGA licenses with defined transition periods.

How much has AML/responsible play been tightened?

Noticeably: more stringent requirements have been introduced for KYC/AML/CTF, asset protection and RG tools - this is part of the reputation upgrade.

Will the license get more expensive and longer?

The budget grows due to audits and processes, but Curaçao remains noticeably more affordable and faster than a number of Tier-1 alternatives.

Curaçao is experiencing a "second edition." LOK reform has made the regime more mature and understandable for banks, PSPs and content partners - without losing the main trump cards: affordable economy and launch speed. For startups, crypto-firsts and multi-product operators, this is still a pragmatic choice if you are ready to play by the updated rules - with strong KYC/AML/RG, clean geocontour and provable security.