The New Curaçao Gaming Licence: What the LOK Reform Means for Operators

Curaçao has just undergone the biggest change in its gaming history. The familiar master/sub-licence model is gone, replaced by direct licensing under a single government regulator. If you hold — or are considering — a Curaçao licence, here is what has changed and why it matters.

A single regulator, direct licensing

Under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (the LOK), the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) is now the sole licensing body, issuing licences directly to operators and suppliers. This replaces the old system, in which a handful of private master licensees issued sub-licences with limited oversight. Both B2C and B2B licences are available, with applications handled through an online portal.

From the Orange Seal to the Green Seal

During the transition, former sub-licensees could operate under a temporary arrangement, but that transitional status has been phased out. Going forward, the full CGA licence — the “Green Seal” — is the valid mark. Operators who licensed under the old system need to understand exactly where they now stand.

Higher expectations

The reform is designed to lift Curaçao’s reputation toward the level of established hubs. With that comes a higher bar: mandatory AML rules, alternative dispute resolution for players, and local-presence and staffing obligations phasing in over time. Credibility is improving — but so are the compliance expectations.

What it means in practice

A Curaçao licence still supports operation across many international markets, but it does not replace a local licence where a market is separately regulated. For new applicants, the process now runs in phases assessing integrity and financial standing first, then technical and operational compliance. For existing sub-licensees, the priority is a clean transition to a direct CGA licence.