Sports betting and Curaçao are synonymous. While the country may have made everyone around the world sit and watch during their 2026 World Cup stint, for sports lovers and bettors, knowingly or unknowingly, they’ve been part of their journey.
Curaçao is one of the premier offshore licensing bodies, used by international iGaming operators as a regulatory framework. In 2024, the regulatory framework in Curaçao underwent a critical transformation with the introduction of the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) and the complete implementation of oversight by the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA).
Operators seeking a new offshore sportsbook license in Curaçao will no longer have to deal with the archaic “master license and sub-license” structure but will instead operate under modern, globally compliant standards.
In this article, we explore on how to launch a sports betting platform with an offshore license, and the role of sportsbook software in Curaçao’s licensing process. GammaStack’s white-label and turnkey software subscriptions expedite your launch time, ensure compliance with pre-installed AML/CFT and KYC protocols, and deliver an advanced user experience. Get in touch to learn more.
New LOK Regime - What Has Changed For Operators in 2026?
Yes, offshore and onshore online gaming and sportsbook licenses in Curaçao are very much available, but they have undergone significant changes since December 24, 2024. The National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard was replaced by the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK).
The LOK law replaced the master-and-sub-license structure, which was considered outdated and lacked proper oversight by authorities, especially over the sub-licensed operators issued by private master license holders. The growing concern about abuse of this relaxed regulatory framework by criminals, and Curaçao being placed under FATF (Financial Action Task Force) jurisdiction as a result, led to the overhaul.
The older regime wasn’t financially viable, as most licensing fees went to the master license holder, leaving the government with limited revenue.
LOK introduced a centralized licensing and regulatory body, the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA).
Here is how things differ across the two models:
| The Old NOOGH Model | The New LOK Model |
|---|---|
| Master and Sub-License Model | Direct license by the CGA, no sub-licenses offered |
| Limited oversight | Stricter regulatory supervision |
| Weak or nominal AML and KYC enforcement | Mandatory AML/KYC protocols |
Launch Your iGaming Platform With an Offshore Sportsbook License from Curaçao - Key Steps
Step 1 - Choose Your Sportsbook Business Model
The first step is to choose the business model – white label, turnkey, or custom build.
White Label Sportsbook
A ready-made software, available for quick launch with customization and branding options. White-label sportsbook model is often preferred for entry-level operators who want advanced solutions without making a considerable investment.
- Accelerated launch timeline, within a few days or weeks
- Cost-efficient model; access the complete tech stack by paying a monthly platform fee and a small share of your revenue
- Compliance with licensing authorities and the regulatory framework
- Sportsbook provider in Curaçao offers ongoing technical support and platform maintenance
- Built-in risk management tools, diverse betting markets, odds provider, AML/CFT and KYC tools, and secure payment gateways
Turnkey Sportsbook
This is a pre-built platform that bundles all essential sportsbook software features in Curaçao in a single package, reducing the time and capital requirements. Turnkey sportsbook model is great for mid-level and entry-level operators seeking operational efficiency and compliance without a large upfront investment.
- Bypass long software development cycles and be market-ready in 4-8 weeks
- Avoid upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs (it’s included in the subscription model)
- Easily scalable across betting markets and different jurisdictions
Custom Sportsbook
It is a 100% proprietary sportsbook software solution in which the operator has complete ownership of the source code, UI/UX, third-party API integrations, and the data generated.
- Large upfront investment; no monthly subscription fees required
- Full branding control over every element of the website, app, or retail betting terminals
- Advanced risk management, odds configuration, and payment integrations.
Step 2 - Incorporate a Curaçao Company
Yes, a local company presence is generally required to obtain an offshore sportsbook license in Curaçao. To obtain a gaming or supplier license under LOK, a legal entity must be established under Curaçao law, with a statutory seat in the country, and the business must be managed by one local resident serving as a managing director.
Sometimes, new license applicants, especially startups and small operators, can qualify for exemptions under local presence requirements, under certain conditions, including:
- Incorporate the local company within one year
- The Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) shouldn’t be linked to another gaming provider within two years
- If the annual GGR is below 10 million euros in the first three years
- Operators need to submit financial reports biannually, or can qualify for a two-year exemption under the Minister of Finance
Step 3 - Prepare Licensing Documentation
The following documents must be submitted for an offshore sportsbook license in Curaçao:
| Document Category | Type of Document |
|---|---|
| CGA Forms |
|
| Corporate Documents |
|
| Personal Due Diligence Documents |
|
| Financial and Funding Documents |
|
| Compliance Policies and Operational Documents |
|
| Regulatory and Technical Declarations |
|
Step 4 - Submit the Application Through the CGA Portal
Applications for an online sportsbook license in Curaçao can only be submitted through the official CGA portal. You need to pay the necessary fees, which depend on the business model and the operational setup.
Once the application is submitted, the CGA will conduct due diligence to ensure that the sportsbook provider in Curaçao complies with all applicable regulations. Once verified, you can receive a provisional license, valid for six months, which can be extended for another six months.
A definitive license is issued for an indefinite period.
Step 5 - Integrate Sportsbook Software
The right choice of sportsbook software in Curaçao can be a game-changer for compliance, user experience, and your bottom line. If you are choosing a white-label or turnkey model, make sure your provider offers the following:
- Real-time odds feed
- Responsible gambling controls
- In-game betting
- Retail and online betting formats
- Risk management protocols
- AML/CFT and KYC protocols
- Multi-currency support and payment gateways
- Cryptocurrency support
At GammaStack, our white-label and turnkey sportsbook software offers all these features and more. For competitive pricing, you can be ready to launch your sports betting platform, powered by our state-of-the-art software, and licensed through an offshore sportsbook license from Curaçao.
A licensed site also helps win customer trust and validation and gain market share over time.
Partner with GammaStack for a Compliant and Safe Sportsbook Software in Curaçao
An offshore sportsbook license from Curaçao is best-suited for startups, crypto-focused operators, and those who want to work in emerging jurisdictions. If you want to establish your brand in a tightly regulated jurisdiction, opting for a local license in best suited.
The new LOK regime has increased the credibility of Curaçao’s gaming license. For operators, this means increased oversight from the CGA and compliance expectations. As an iGaming operator, if you plan to launch a sportsbook under the new Curaçao regulatory framework, you must partner with a technology partner like GammaStack.
We provide CGA-compliant infrastructure, AML and KYC integrations, multi-currency payments, diverse payment methods, responsible gaming controls, mobile and retail betting operations, and in-game betting. Our white-label sportsbook software provides top-tier integrations with LSports and Betradar, ensuring you have access to near-zero-latency odds that deliver a heightened user experience while reducing financial exposure.
For more details about our scalable, and compliant solutions, get in touch.
FAQs
What is the new Curaçao gaming authority called?
The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) is the regulator responsible for issuing online gaming licenses under the LOK law.
Can I use a master license holder in 2026?
No. The master/sub-license model has been replaced by direct licensing through the CGA under the newly introduced LOK law.
How long does a sportsbook license take?
A realistic timeline is 4–6 months, depending on the quality of documentation and technical readiness.
Can one license cover sportsbook and casino?
Yes. A single sportsbook license in Curaçao can generally cover multiple gaming verticals, including sportsbook and casino operations.
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