Curacao Gaming License

Foreign investors interested in starting a business in the Netherlands can choose offshore locations such as the Dutch Antilles and Curacao. The latter is known for the tax advantages it offers to foreign investors who open companies here. One of the most prolific industries in Curacao is gambling. Those who want to start a traditional or online gaming business in Curacao are subject to various requirements which also imply certain licensing requisites.

Our Dutch company formation consultants can assist those who want to open companies in Curacao.

Licensing requirements for gaming operators in Curacao

Curacao was one of the first jurisdictions in the world to regulate online gaming back in 1996. Ever since it has attracted a great number of investors who wanted to set up Dutch online gambling businesses. This has led to online gaming becoming the most important investment industry in Curacao.

In order to operate as a gaming facility in Curacao, one of the following licenses must be obtained from the e-Gaming Licensing Authority:

• -          a master license;
• -          a sub-license.

Both types of Curacao gaming licenses cover the same activities, with the mention that the master license can issue sub-license for other facilities operating on the island.

In order to obtain a gaming license, one must first register a company in Curacao. Our company registration agents in the Netherlands can assist with the registration of a Curacao company.

Applying for a Curacao gaming license

In order to obtain a gaming license in Curacao, a company must file the following documents with the e-Gaming Licensing Authority:

• -          clear criminal records of the company’s shareholders;
• -          notarized copies of the shareholders’ passports;
• -          bank references on the shareholders’ accounts;
• -          proof of residential address in Curacao;
• -          a detailed description of the gaming activities to be offered and the gaming software to be used;
• -          a declaration that the gaming facility will block children’s access to the premises or website;
• -          a list with the countries targeted by the company.

It should be noted that the documents such as passport copies, criminal records, bank references and utility bills must not be older than 3 months upon filing the gaming license application.

For full information on how to obtain a gaming license in Curacao, please contact our company registration advisors in the Netherlands.