Curaçao Reopens Online Application Portal, Heralding New Era of Robust Regulation

July 15, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in Curaçao’s endeavors to improve its gambling legislation. The Gaming Control Board (GCB) was pleased to disclose the reopening of the online portal for new license applications and sub-license registration, https://portal.gamingcontrolcuracao.org/.

Through this move, Javier Silvania, Curaçao’s Minister of Finance, intends to organize a smooth transition process from the current law, the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH) to the new law, the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LoK).

While the portal will be open to new B2C, B2B2C, and B2B operators, the GCB confirmed it would prioritize applications submitted on or before April 30, 2024.

In March 2024, the gambling regulator published an application manual to streamline the process, with three important notes to consider. Firstly, the official who opens the account becomes the “Portal Administrator”, with the power to assign “Portal User” and “License Account” roles. While the first should appear in the Curacao Chamber of Commerce excerpt of the company, the other two are empowered to file applications. The authority notified that an authorization letter is no longer necessary, although it reserves the right to perform due checks.

Secondly, the GCB explained the registration of “Qualifying Persons” had been updated, with further information required to issue a Personal Account Number (PAN). Thirdly, the authority has ensured real-time checklists, helping applicants keep a record of any outstanding documents and streamline the process. Instead of sending docs through email, applicants are advised to do so through the portal, as the authority may need further details.

Master Licenses Will No Longer Be Renewed

In line with the forthcoming changes in the gambling licensing system in Curaçao, the GCB reminded that the Master Licenses would no longer be renewed. Should the LoK be enacted before the expiry of a given Master License, it would be automatically discontinued. Meanwhile, holders of sublicenses whose applications for a direct license are in progress will receive a “Certificate of Operation” as an interim solution.

As Javier Silvania has repeatedly underlined the significance of the new legislation, it is meant to protect users and interested parties from black market operators and enhance Curaçao’s reputation as a trustworthy gambling authority.

Mr. Silvania has placed a special focus on anti-money laundering (AML) practices and the jurisdiction’s efforts to improve them: “Curaçao, as a small island, has faced significant challenges regarding its reputation in the online gaming industry. We have often been portrayed as a hub for criminal activities and money laundering, contributing to a negative image. However, this perception is set to change with the LoK.”

The new gambling legislation is expected to be enacted later in 2024, with the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) taking responsibility for overseeing the license issuance process.