Types of licenses issued in Curaçao
The licensing system in Curaçao is built on the model of master licenses and sub-licenses. It has been operating since 1996 and remains one of the simplest and most accessible in the online gambling industry.
1. Master license
Issued directly by the Government of Curacao through the Ministry of Finance.
Valid for 5 years with the possibility of extension.
Gives the right to independently conduct gambling activities and issue sub-licenses to other companies.
It is difficult and expensive to obtain a master license: candidates undergo in-depth verification, must have a registered company and servers in Curacao.
Currently, there are only 4 active master licensees:
2. Sublicense
Issued by one of the companies owning the master license.
Allows the operator to launch an online casino or betting platform under the control of a master licensee.
By legal force for the operator is equivalent to a master license, but does not give the right to issue licenses to third parties.
The validity period is tied to the term of the master license.
The process of obtaining is easier and faster: with ready-made documents, registration is possible in 4-8 weeks.
3. Curacao License Features
Universal format - one license covers all types of online gambling (slots, live casino, sports betting, poker, lotteries).
There is no need to obtain separate permits for each activity.
The license is recognized by most game and payment system providers.
4. Master and sub-license differences
5. Significance for Australian players
For the player, the difference between the master and sub-license is mostly not felt: both give the operator the right to work internationally.
It is important that the casino is tied to a valid and reputable master licensee.
The reputation of a particular operator and the transparency of the playing conditions is more important than the type of license.
Conclusion
There are two main types of licenses in Curaçao: master and sub-license. The first is issued directly by the state and gives the right to license other operators, the second allows you to conduct gambling business under the control of a master licensee. For the player, the key is the choice of a proven platform, and not a specific type of license.
1. Master license
Issued directly by the Government of Curacao through the Ministry of Finance.
Valid for 5 years with the possibility of extension.
Gives the right to independently conduct gambling activities and issue sub-licenses to other companies.
It is difficult and expensive to obtain a master license: candidates undergo in-depth verification, must have a registered company and servers in Curacao.
Currently, there are only 4 active master licensees:
- 1. Cyberluck Curaçao N.V. (Curaçao eGaming)
- 2. Antillephone N.V.
- 3. Gaming Curaçao
- 4. CIL Curaçao Interactive Licensing N.V.
2. Sublicense
Issued by one of the companies owning the master license.
Allows the operator to launch an online casino or betting platform under the control of a master licensee.
By legal force for the operator is equivalent to a master license, but does not give the right to issue licenses to third parties.
The validity period is tied to the term of the master license.
The process of obtaining is easier and faster: with ready-made documents, registration is possible in 4-8 weeks.
3. Curacao License Features
Universal format - one license covers all types of online gambling (slots, live casino, sports betting, poker, lotteries).
There is no need to obtain separate permits for each activity.
The license is recognized by most game and payment system providers.
4. Master and sub-license differences
| Feature | Master License | Sub License |
|---|---|---|
| Who issues | Government of Curaçao | Master Licensee |
| Right to issue licenses | Yes | No |
| Expiry | 5 years | Until master license expires |
| Cost and Complexity | High, Rigorous Review | Below, Simplified Procedure |
| Game Types Coverage | All Types | All Types |
5. Significance for Australian players
For the player, the difference between the master and sub-license is mostly not felt: both give the operator the right to work internationally.
It is important that the casino is tied to a valid and reputable master licensee.
The reputation of a particular operator and the transparency of the playing conditions is more important than the type of license.
Conclusion
There are two main types of licenses in Curaçao: master and sub-license. The first is issued directly by the state and gives the right to license other operators, the second allows you to conduct gambling business under the control of a master licensee. For the player, the key is the choice of a proven platform, and not a specific type of license.
