Problems with the Curaçao License in 2026: Why the CGA Portal Is Closed
In October 2026, the Curaçao Gaming Authority regulator refused to restore the CGA portal following a hack that had lasted nine months. Applicants’ data was leaked, and the system was shut down along with the service contract.
From now on, problems with the Curaçao license are related not to regulatory changes but to the lack of a submission channel. Below, we will discuss the reasons behind what happened, the consequences for applicants and providers, and the alternatives.
Why Difficulties Arose in Obtaining a Curaçao License
In December 2025, information security researcher Lilith Wittmann registered on the CGA portal under a false identity and gained access to internal data. She published some of the materials, including information about the owners and beneficial owners of gambling companies.
Almost a year later, on October 7, 2026, the regulator acknowledged that the domain’s digital certificate had been compromised and stated that the portal would not be put back into operation.
Under the Games of Chance Act (Landsverordening op de kansspelen, LOK), applications and reports must be submitted exclusively through the official portal. Since the regulator’s portal was hacked,obtaining a gambling license in Curaçao has been suspended until a new procedure is introduced.
How the Closure of the CGA Portal Affected the Issuance of Gambling Licenses
The closure of the portal affected applicants and providers. The consequences differed for each group:
- Applicants. The submission of applications has been suspended, and deadlines for documents that were supposed to be processed through the portal have been postponed until the system is restored. The regulator has not yet announced new deadlines.
- Providers. Under Article 5.16(4) of the LOK, licensees are not permitted to work with unregistered counterparties. Registration of local and foreign companies is scheduled to open in October 2026, and the functionality must become operational no later than December 24 of the same year. Since the portal is not working, these deadlines are now uncertain.
In other words, difficulties in obtaining a Curaçao license primarily affect new applications and provider registration. Existing licensees retain their status while remaining subject to their previous obligations.
Is It Currently Possible to Obtain a Curaçao License?
As of mid-October 2026, a new submission procedure has not been introduced. An interim solution was expected no later than October 9, but a permanent mechanism has still not been presented. Therefore, it is currently impossible to obtain a license, and any promises to accept applications by email are inconsistent with the CGA’s position.
What Applicants Should Do While the Portal Is Closed
Until the new mechanism is launched, applicants should focus on preserving their data. To avoid losing time and increasing risks, the following steps are recommended:
- Preserve evidence of what has been submitted. Record the date and contents of the documents that have already been submitted through the portal. This is necessary in case of a data leak.
- Do not submit duplicate applications by email. Such requests are not considered. Any promises to accept applications through this method contradict the CGA’s position.
- Monitor official updates. Official notices are published only on the regulator’s website (cga.cw). Do not rely on secondhand accounts in chats and messaging apps.
If deadlines are critical, consider other jurisdictions in parallel. Since the problems with the Curaçao license remain unresolved, waiting for a new submission procedure carries the risk of delaying the launch.
Alternatives to a Curaçao License for Online Casinos
Following the closure of the CGA portal, the market is considering jurisdictions with predictable timelines and functioning communication channels with the regulator. Below are four options with different scopes of rights and operational requirements.
| Type of jurisdiction | Advantages | Target audience | Estimated license processing time | |
| Anjouan | Hybrid offshore jurisdiction with a single license | 0% tax on gaming revenue; live-dealer games are permitted | Online casinos targeting Asia, Africa, and Latin America and offering several products | 4–6 weeks |
| Tuvalu | Traditional offshore jurisdiction with a public register | Public register of licensees; cryptocurrency operations are permitted | Crypto platforms and startups with minimal operational requirements | 3–4 weeks |
| Tobique | First Nation jurisdiction outside the Canadian system | Casinos, betting, and poker are covered by a single license; company registration is not required | Operators outside regulated markets and companies without a local structure | 4–6 weeks |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Traditional Caribbean offshore jurisdiction | One license for two domains, with the option to expand to forty | Online casinos planning to attract external financing | 8–12 weeks |
The comparison shows how each jurisdiction suits a specific objective. This is neither a ranking nor a comparison based on seniority.
Anjouan Gambling License
TheAnjouan gambling license is obtained through Anjouan Licensing Services. A company can submit an application from any jurisdiction, except those subject to sanctions and those included on FATF lists.
Tuvalu Gaming License
TheTuvalu gaming license operates under the supervision of the Tuvalu Gaming Authority. A local company and office are not required; the compliance officer only needs contact details.
Tobique Gaming License
TheTobique gambling license is issued by the Tobique First Nation Gaming Commission. Incorporation is not required, and an anti-money laundering officer can be engaged under a contract.
Gambling License in Saint Kitts and Nevis
Thegambling license in Saint Kitts and Nevis is available only to companies registered in Nevis. Operating under another brand requires obtaining both licenses and approval from the regulator.
Which Gambling License Should You Choose Instead of Curaçao?
The choice of jurisdiction is determined by several criteria that directly affect the launch timeline and access to payment infrastructure:
- recognition by payment providers and banks;
- speed of issuance and transparency of the procedure;
- requirements for capital, customer verification, and reporting;
- availability of a public license register;
- specific features of the tax regime;
- renewal costs.
None of the jurisdictions listed above replaces a local license for regulated markets. They are considered in cases where offshore regulation is commercially sufficient.
Legal Assistance from Lawrange in Obtaining a Gambling License
For more than 10 years, our lawyers have been helping operators obtain gambling licenses. The service includes an analysis of target markets, document preparation and submission, assistance throughout the regulator’s review, company registration, and bank account opening.
Have you also encountered difficulties obtaining a Curaçao license? Contact us, and we will help you obtain authorization in another jurisdiction, taking into account the current LOK restrictions.
Conclusions
Since the Curaçao Gaming Authority decided not to restore the licensing portal after the hack, processing new applicants has been suspended. Existing licenses remain valid, but the acceptance of applications and registration of providers will resume only after a new mechanism is launched.
FAQ
Why was the Curaçao licensing portal closed?
Due to unauthorized access and a data leak. The regulator concluded that the CGA portal could not be safely returned to operation.
What will happen to applications submitted before the CGA portal was closed?
The applications remain on record, and deadlines for documents that were submitted through the portal have been postponed until the system is restored.
When will applications for a Curaçao license resume?
A permanent submission mechanism has not been introduced. The regulator promised an interim procedure by October 9; however, it had still not been published by the middle of the month.
Are previously issued Curaçao licenses still valid?
Yes. The Curaçao Gaming Authority confirmed that existing licenses remain valid and that operators’ obligations remain unchanged.
Is it possible to switch from a Curaçao license to a license from another jurisdiction?
Yes. A new application is submitted in the chosen jurisdiction, after which the Curaçao license is terminated once all obligations have been fulfilled.