A Curaçao licence is common at casinos that accept players from many countries. The system changed at the end of 2024: since the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) took effect on 24 December 2024, the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) issues and supervises online gaming licences itself, replacing the old model of a few master licence holders handing out sub-licences. For players, the CGA's complaint rules now require a free complaint form, set deadlines, and independent dispute resolution paid for by the casino.
Curaçao licence quick facts
| Regulator | Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) |
|---|---|
| Law | National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), in force since 24 December 2024 |
| Who it covers | Players of CGA-licensed operators, in the markets those operators accept |
| How to check a licence | The licence details in the casino's footer, checked against the CGA's published licence information |
| Complaints route | The casino's free complaint form, then an independent dispute resolution provider paid by the operator |
| Deadlines | Responsible gambling complaints within 5 business days; others within 4 weeks (extendable by 4 weeks with notice); you have 6 months to complain |
Who issues the Curaçao licence
The Curaçao Gaming Authority is the regulator for online gaming in Curaçao: it issues licences and supervises licence holders under the LOK. Before the reform, a small number of master licence holders sub-licensed operators; the LOK replaced that with direct licensing by the CGA. A casino's footer may still show older wording from the sub-licence days.
What the Curaçao licence requires from casinos
Under the CGA's Player Complaints Policy Guidelines (version 1.1, reported in June 2025, with operators given until 31 July 2025 to comply), a licensed casino must:
- offer a structured, free process to file complaints, with official forms in English and in any other language its website uses;
- resolve complaints about responsible gambling, such as a breached self-exclusion, within five business days;
- address other complaints within four weeks, with a possible four-week extension if you are told in advance;
- accept complaints for up to six months after the disputed event;
- send unresolved disputes to an independent dispute resolution provider, paid for by the operator, not the player.
How to check a casino's Curaçao licence
- Find the licence number, the company name and its registered address in the casino's footer or terms.
- Check them against the licence information the CGA publishes, and make sure the company matches the website you are on.
- Be wary of footers that still only mention an old master licence holder with no current CGA details.
If a casino doesn't pay
- Use the casino's complaint form within six months of the problem, and keep copies of everything.
- Expect an answer within four weeks (five business days for responsible gambling cases), or a notice that the casino is extending by up to four weeks.
- If the complaint isn't resolved, ask for the independent dispute resolution provider; the casino pays for it, not you.
- If you believe the casino is breaking the CGA's rules, report it to the CGA. Reports feed its supervision; they are not a court ruling on your balance.
Self-exclusion and limits
Self-exclusion and limits are run by each casino. Breaches of self-exclusion count as responsible gambling complaints, which the CGA's rules require casinos to resolve within five business days.
What the Curaçao licence doesn't do
- It doesn't make a casino legal in your country; many countries have their own licensing rules.
- There is no national self-exclusion scheme across Curaçao-licensed casinos; exclusion is per casino.
- The reform is recent: rules and practice are still settling, so check a casino's current licence details rather than relying on the badge.
Our review method explains how we look at licences, and our responsible gambling page lists free help lines.
Curaçao licence FAQ
Who issues Curaçao gambling licences now?
The Curaçao Gaming Authority, under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance that took effect on 24 December 2024. The old master and sub-licence model was replaced.
How long does a Curaçao casino have to answer my complaint?
Four weeks under the CGA's complaint guidelines, extendable by four weeks with notice; five business days for responsible gambling complaints.
Do I pay for dispute resolution with a Curaçao casino?
No. The guidelines say the independent dispute resolution provider is paid by the operator.
Does a Curaçao licence mean a casino is legal where I live?
Not necessarily. Each country sets its own rules; the licence covers what Curaçao regulates.
Sources
- Curaçao Gaming Authority: general information (CGA as regulator; LOK in force 24 December 2024)
- iGaming Times: Curaçao licence and the LOK reform (master and sub-licence model replaced by direct CGA licensing)
- Curaçao Chronicle, 25 June 2025: Curaçao Gaming Authority tightens oversight with new complaint rules (Player Complaints Policy Guidelines v1.1)
Checked 29 October 2026.
