Last updated: June 2026.
Curaçao, long one of the most widely used offshore iGaming jurisdictions, has overhauled its gambling framework. The old master-/sub-licence model has been replaced by a direct-licensing regime under the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (Landsverordening op de Kansspelen, “LOK”), administered by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB). For operators this changes licence types, fees, timelines and compliance obligations — and has pushed a wave of price-sensitive operators to look at alternatives such as Anjouan, Kahnawake and the Isle of Man. Here is where the reform stands in 2026 and what it means in practice.
Why Curaçao changed its regime
The Ministry of Finance issued formal notices to licence holders to begin the transition to the LOK. The driver was international pressure — FATF-aligned AML/CFT expectations and EU scrutiny — to replace the loosely supervised sub-licence model, in which a handful of Master Licensees sub-licensed thousands of operators, with direct regulatory oversight of each operator by the GCB. In 2026 the LOK regime is the operative framework, and the GCB issues licences directly.
Key changes in licence types and fees
The most consequential shifts for operators:
- End of the sub-licence route. Registration of sub-licences on the GCB portal closed on 31 March 2024. Master Licensees may no longer onboard new operators, and prospective operators must hold a direct licence.
- Grandfathering applies only to direct licence holders under the existing law as of 31 March 2024.
- Licence renewals were processed by the GCB from August 2024 through January 2025.
- Annual fee ≈ €49,200 under the new legislation (down from ~€61,700), with 50 domains included and roughly €250 per additional gaming domain. Operators grandfathered into the new system are not charged the annual fee until the first anniversary of the rules.
The Digital Seal
Since 1 January 2024, GCB licence holders can display a Digital Seal on their websites — a verifiable mark of compliance issued by the regulator, governed by a dedicated GCB policy. For players and payment providers it offers a quick way to confirm a site’s licensed status.
What the reform means for operators in 2026
In our practice advising operators through the Curaçao transition, the recurring pain points have been higher direct-compliance costs, longer timelines under the new direct-licensing process, and uncertainty during the changeover. Operators who held a direct licence before the cut-off are generally best served by completing their LOK transition; those who relied on the old sub-licence route now have to apply directly or move jurisdiction. That second group is precisely the one weighing Anjouan — a single all-in-one B2C licence from roughly €17,828/year, issued in about 4–8 weeks — as the faster, lower-cost alternative.
Cost-efficient alternative: many operators now choose Anjouan for an all-in-one licence — see the Anjouan alternative to Curaçao, or our 30-day Curaçao-to-Anjouan migration plan.
Authoritative sources
- Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) — the regulator and licence authority: gamingcontrolcuracao.org
- National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) — the governing statute.
- FATF — international AML/CFT standards underpinning the reform: fatf-gafi.org
Frequently asked questions
Is the Curaçao LOK now in force?
Yes — the LOK direct-licensing regime is the operative framework, and the GCB issues and supervises licences directly rather than through Master Licensees.
Can I still get a Curaçao sub-licence?
No. Registration of new sub-licences on the GCB portal closed on 31 March 2024. New operators must apply for a direct GCB licence.
How much does a Curaçao licence cost under the LOK?
Approximately €49,200 per year, with 50 domains included and about €250 per additional gaming domain — down from roughly €61,700 under the old fee schedule.
Why are operators moving from Curaçao to Anjouan?
Mainly cost and speed: Anjouan offers an all-in-one B2C licence from about €17,828/year in 4–8 weeks, versus higher direct-compliance costs and longer timelines under the reformed Curaçao regime.
What is the Curaçao Digital Seal?
A regulator-issued compliance mark that licence holders can display to confirm their licensed status; the GCB governs its use through a dedicated policy.
How Legarithm can help
Whether you are completing a Curaçao LOK transition or moving to a lower-cost jurisdiction, Legarithm handles the full process end-to-end. Talk to us about Anjouan gambling licensing or your Curaçao options.
This article is for general informational purposes and reflects the regulatory position as of June 2026. It is not legal advice; gaming-licence requirements change and depend on your specific circumstances. Speak to a qualified adviser or the Legarithm team before acting.
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