The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) has issued guidelines for operators applying for direct licenses under the island’s current gambling legislation. The deadline for applications for existing sublicense holders is March 31.
The guidelines are considered a little late, but the entire license application process is very detailed with the documents that need to be submitted.
Thus, applications will be considered sent if they contain three completed forms:
- Registration form for online games
- Disclosure of personal history
- Corporate and commercial information form
In cases where other documents, such as police conduct reports, are required and are not presented within the deadline, applicants must demonstrate that they took steps to obtain them.
Therefore, current licensors are responsible for the registrations of their sublicensees and related domains.
New legislation in Curacao for bookmakers coming soon
The current application process is for licenses to be issued in accordance with Curaçao’s current legislation, the National Offshore Hazardous Gaming Ordinance (NOOGH).
The island’s parliament is currently finalizing new legislation, the National Gambling Ordinance (LOK).
So, this new legislation aims to improve the reputation of Curaçao’s gambling industry and direct more benefits to the location.
Finance Minister Javier Silvania called on lawmakers to ensure quick approval, saying the legislation would improve Curaçao’s international reputation.
Silvania said: “Curaçao, being a small island, has faced significant challenges regarding its reputation in the online gaming industry.”
“We have often been portrayed as a center of criminal activity and money laundering, contributing to a negative image. However, this perception is expected to change with the new legislation,” he added.
The Finance Minister concluded by saying that the new law will improve the country’s reputation by promoting transparency, accountability and compliance with international standards on sports betting.
Therefore, following the implementation of the LOK, the new Curacao Gaming Authority will replace the GCB as regulator.
