The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (CGCB) announced it was opening its online portal for those seeking a new online gambling license in the Caribbean island country.
The new procedure changes how foreign online gambling operators are licensed in Curaçao as the country is readying for the National Ordinance for Games of Chance. The new licensing process does not reform the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard – Curaçao’s existing legislation – but adds to it.
On September 1, the CGCB launched its online portal, marking the start of the license application process for operators seeking new online gambling licenses in Curaçao. This portal provides operators with detailed information about the licensing procedure and guides them through the application process. Operators can access downloads and guidance notes to ensure compliance and a smooth application experience.
The submission of completed license applications will commence in November 2023, giving operators ample time to prepare and submit their documentation for consideration. Existing license holders will automatically migrate to the new system, while companies holding sub-licenses will need to apply alongside new operators but can maintain their operations.
Curaçao has long been a hub for offshore online gambling operators, but it also had a reputation for lenient licensing requirements and favorable tax regime. That led to the proliferation of illegal gambling services offered by Curaçao-based offshore operators. These operators have operated without proper oversight, posing risks to players and tarnishing the reputation of the industry.
In recent years, the CGCB has taken significant steps to enhance the oversight and legitimacy of the online gambling industry in the country.
Recognizing the need for regulation, the CGCB initiated a series of reforms to ensure a fairer and safer online gambling environment.
Operators that submit their applications will receive provisional licenses after November, ensuring a smooth transition to the new, stricter regulatory system. These updates to the license application process aim to attract a broader range of operators interested in operating within Curaçao and promote a more transparent gambling sector.
The license application process is a crucial part of Curaçao’s preparations for its long-awaited gambling legislation reforms. The National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) aims to modernize and streamline the regulatory framework for online gambling in Curaçao, aligning it with international best practices and standards. The LOK will introduce new licensing requirements, stricter compliance measures, and enhanced oversight to ensure the integrity and fairness of Curaçao’s online gambling sector.
The LOK will work in conjunction with the existing legislation, the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard, allowing for a more flexible response to emerging challenges. By tightening the license application process, Curaçao aims to attract operators committed to operating within a regulated framework and foster a safer and more responsible gambling environment.
