Curaçao has long been one of the world’s most recognisable offshore gaming hubs; for decades, its low-cost, lightly regulated system made it a magnet for online casino operators seeking fast market entry. However, that period is ending and the government has introduced a sweeping new law: the Landsverordening op de Kansspelen (LOK), or National Ordinance for Games of Chance, along with the newly established Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA).
Together, they are recasting how gaming companies operate under Curaçao’s jurisdiction; what once was a straightforward licensing route is now a sophisticated regulatory ecosystem designed to boost integrity, rebuild trust and align Curaçao with leading iGaming jurisdictions. Ultimately, understanding these changes is essential whether you operate a platform or simply play on one.
From NOOGH to LOK: why Curaçao decided reform was overdue
For years, the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH) governed Curaçao’s gaming sector. Its master and sublicense model created a system where a few entities issued sublicences to hundreds of operators. Oversight was minimal, compliance obligations were weak and regulators elsewhere viewed Curaçao as a permissive outlier. By 2022, mounting pressure from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force and the European Union pushed the government to act.
Finance Minister Javier Silvania described the old system as “unsustainable,” vowing to replace it with a transparent framework that could stand up to international scrutiny. The new LOK law, approved in late 2023, fulfilled that pledge by creating the CGA as a single, independent authority responsible for licensing, supervision and enforcement. The intent was clear: Curaçao’s future depended on demonstrating credible regulation and regaining global confidence in its gaming credentials.
Major regulatory changes under LOK: What operators need to know
Under the LOK, the master–sublicence model has been abolished and replaced by direct licensing. Each operator must now apply to the CGA for its own licence and sublicences are no longer valid. Operators must be legally incorporated in Curaçao with at least one resident director and they must demonstrate robust anti–money laundering controls, responsible gaming mechanisms and transparent ownership. Licensing fees have increased significantly, with annual costs around €24,000 plus supervisory fees near €23,000.
Those numbers signal the end of the era when Curaçao was the cheapest path to market. Operators registered in Curaçao must obtain a CGA-issued licence by mid-2025 or face financial penalties and potential criminal liability. Existing licensees have been granted provisional permissions valid for up to twelve months, giving them time to transition. For many companies, this means new audits, local representation and a cultural shift toward genuine compliance.
What this means for players and the safest offshore gambling options conversation
For players, the new law represents a major improvement in accountability and protection. Under the LOK framework, operators must provide clear dispute resolution, stronger identity verification and mandatory self-exclusion tools. These requirements give you a safer and more predictable environment when playing online. If you’ve ever worried about unresponsive customer support or unclear ownership, this reform should bring reassurance; as new CGA-licensed sites begin to appear, they are positioning themselves as among the safest offshore gambling options available worldwide.
This reflects the fact that CGA licensing now requires verifiable ownership, AML compliance and proper handling of player funds. Even so, you should always confirm a site’s licence status and examine its complaint procedures before depositing. The LOK brings transparency, but personal due diligence remains the best safeguard. For players, Curaçao’s reputation is finally catching up with its global reach.
Impacts and challenges for the offshore iGaming industry
The new framework is ambitious, but it also introduces challenges. For example, operators that once relied on minimal oversight must now meet demanding standards for governance and reporting. Smaller firms may find the higher costs prohibitive, while larger, better-capitalised operators gain an advantage. This shift will likely drive market consolidation and a smaller but more credible group of licensees.
Affiliates, suppliers and payment processors must also comply with CGA requirements, as the law bans Curaçao-based entities from using foreign licences. For those running legacy platforms, the transition period (lasting until late 2025) offers time to adapt systems and train compliance teams. You can expect an evolving regulatory dialogue between industry and government as both sides adjust. The CGA has pledged a pragmatic approach, balancing strict oversight with business continuity, but the message is unmistakable: unregulated grey-market activity will no longer find refuge on the island.
Looking ahead: what the future holds for Curaçao and offshore iGaming
Curaçao’s transformation is reputational, with the government aiming to reposition the island from a low-cost licensing hub to a respected global regulator comparable to Malta or Gibraltar. Recently, finance officials have linked the reforms to broader efforts to enhance the island’s economic credibility and comply with financial transparency standards. Over the next two years, the CGA is expected to introduce additional rules on player fund protection, dispute resolution and data storage.
These measures will make Curaçao’s licences more appealing to players who value safety and to operators seeking long-term stability. For you, if you are running a business or placing a bet, this means more confidence in the legitimacy of Curaçao-licensed sites. The LOK is recasting offshore iGaming by prioritising fairness and responsibility, turning a once-criticised jurisdiction into a benchmark for progress.
Key Takeaways
Curaçao’s regulatory reboot marks the most dramatic evolution in its gaming history. The LOK replaces a system built for convenience with one built for credibility. For operators, it means adapting to higher standards; for players, it promises greater security; and for the global industry, it sets a precedent for how offshore regulation can evolve responsibly. The coming year will determine whether this ambitious transformation achieves its full potential. Yet, even now, Curaçao is no longer defined by what it was — but by the new standard it is determined to become.
