Curacao Resumes Issuing Gaming Licenses for New Operators

The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) has reopened its online licensing platform on July 15 for new applications from B2B and B2C providers.

The new licensing window coincides with the upcoming expiration of master licenses in August. (Source: HeikeKaldenbach, Pixabay)

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The last licensing window for sublicense applications on the island closed on April 30, after the initial March 31 deadline was extended by nearly a month to fix application issues.

The regulator stated that online gambling operators can apply for updated licenses, although priority will be given to applications submitted before the April 30 deadline. Also, new applications will be reviewed once all outstanding filings are completed.

Transition to LOK Framework

The GCB's announcement corresponds with the upcoming expiration of master licenses in August, which will not be extended. This move is part of the regulator's efforts to transition to a new licensing framework, as outlined in the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK).

The new regulation, which has been in development since September 2023, aims to modernize the island's gambling laws and enhance player protection.

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With the upcoming expiration of master licenses, operators will need to apply for new licenses under the LOK framework to continue operating in Curaçao. Regulatory oversight will be transferred to the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), which will then be responsible for issuing licenses to gaming operators.

However, since the new LOK regulation is still pending parliamentary approval, licensing applications will be processed by the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH) framework, which remains in effect.

Rules for Licensing

The GCB has a set of rules that applicants must follow to successfully acquire a license in the jurisdiction. Contained in a nine-page document published in March, the regulations cover topics such as application procedures, licensing fees, and responsible gaming measures.

Since its release, the GCB has made minor changes to the guidelines, including the removal of the authorization letter requirement for portal users.

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