Applying for an Online Gaming License via GCB – Curacao Gaming Control Board
Last update: 2.10.2023
Legislation Reforms
The Curaçao government is actively working towards a comprehensive overhaul and update of its (online) gambling regulations. The forthcoming law, titled “Landsverordening op de kansspelen” (Lok), is set to replace the existing framework, which is the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (Landsverordening buitengaatse hazardspelen, P.B. 1993, no. 63) (NOOGH).
*In light of the impending implementation of the Lok, the Curaçao Finance Minister has opted to continue the issuance of licenses under the existing NOOGH framework.
For New Licensees
Starting November 15, 2023, potential operators can apply for licenses as per the existing NOOGH regulation. These applications will be overseen and approved by the GCB, facilitated through an online portal.
For Current License Holders
The government is exploring options to provide temporary exemptions for current operators licensed under NOOGH when the new Lok legislation takes effect. This would allow them a grace period to operate without the immediate need for a new license. This primarily concerns operators functioning with a sub-license. These operators will need to initiate their registration on the online portal and provide necessary details to verify their legitimate operations in Curaçao under the current licensing system.
The registration portal is scheduled to go live on November 1, 2023, and there are no registration fees.
Portal Guidelines for All Operators
Every operator, whether new or existing, must have a unique account on the portal. Each account is specific to its operator and shouldn’t be used for multiple applications or registrations. Operators should be entities legally formed under Curaçao jurisdiction with their primary operations based there. They could either be current online gaming providers holding a NOOGH-based license or new entrants seeking an online gaming license.
License Application Process
New applicants should initiate their application by registering on the portal and completing the necessary documentation. These documents are accessible at this link. The application necessitates the completion of:
- Online Gaming Application Form
- Business and Corporate Information Form
- Personal History Disclosure Form
The “Personal History Disclosure Form” is mandatory for:
- Stakeholders owning more than 10%
- Board members and Managing Directors
- Essential personnel like the CEO or Compliance Officer
All documents must be completed digitally. Manual entries won’t be accepted. Some forms may require digital signatures. Tools like Acrobat Reader or Acrobat Pro are recommended for this process.
Last update: 04.09.2023
Curaçao’s government is actively working towards a comprehensive overhaul and modernization of its existing (online) gambling legislation. This transformation will culminate in the introduction of a new law named the Landsverordening op de kansspelen (Lok). While awaiting the Lok’s formal adoption, the Finance Minister of Curaçao has chosen to continue granting licenses under the standing law, the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (Landsverordening buitengaatse hazardspelen, P.B. 1993, no. 63) (NOOGH). The aim is to establish an interim framework to ensure a seamless shift from the old to the new legislation.
Given this context, Curacao Gaming Control Board’s portal serves to:
Facilitate the acquisition of online gaming licenses as per the NOOGH for operators seeking direct authorization from the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB).
Register operators currently delivering online gaming services in Curaçao through agreements with existing license holders, who are looking to secure a Curaçao online gaming license under the prevailing or upcoming Curaçao regulations.
Curacao Gaming Authority vs Curacao Gaming Control Board
The Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) and the Curacao Control Board (CCB) are two separate entities that oversee different aspects of the gaming industry in Curacao.
The CGA is responsible for regulating and licensing online gaming operations in Curacao. They ensure that licensed operators meet strict standards for fairness, security, and responsible gaming. The CGA also investigates complaints against licensees and can take disciplinary action if necessary. On the other hand, the CCB is responsible for regulating land-based gaming operations in Curacao, such as casinos and sports betting establishments. They oversee the licensing, operation, and compliance of these establishments and enforce regulations to ensure fair play and the protection of players.
While both organizations work to ensure the integrity of the gaming industry in Curacao, they have different areas of focus and responsibilities. It’s important for gaming operators to understand the differences between the two and comply with the regulations of both entities if they wish to operate in Curacao
Curacao Internet Gaming Association
Curacao is a small island in the Caribbean that happens to be one of the best places to incorporate and license an e-gaming company. One of the advantages of Curacao e-gaming licenses stems from the fact that the island was once part of the Dutch Antilles and they maintains its unique status as an autonomous Dutch territory – you get the benefits of the EU without the high taxes of Europe. Regulation of land-based gaming and e-gaming falls under the Curacao Gambling Commission and within that body is the Curacao Internet Gaming Association (CIGA), a section responsible for issuing e-gaming licenses. Curacao offers e-gaming licenses to companies worldwide and the small island is considered one of the best jurisdictions for e-gaming licenses. E-Gaming Regulation in Curacao
In Curacao all gaming, both online and on-land is overseen by the Curacao Gaming Commission. The section of the Curacao Gambling Commission responsible for e-gaming is the CIGA (Curacao Internet Gaming Association) which abides by the regulations and guidelines of the Interactive Gaming Council. CIGA is responsible for issuing gaming licenses to operators; service providers and software professionals in the e-gaming industry. CIGA has issued e-gaming licenses to about 30 e-gaming operators and they ensure that e-gaming companies and service providers are regulated and maintain a high standard. The Curacao Gaming Commission (also called the Curacao Control Board), is a highly respected jurisdiction in the e-gaming industry.
The Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao’s government licenses and regulates a number of online gaming and gambling businesses, which are represented by the trade association known as the Curacao Internet Gaming Association (CIGA). CIGA was established in 2001 to promote responsible online gaming practices and to provide a forum for its members to share information and collaborate on industry issues. Since the island of Curacao started issuing online gambling licenses in the 1990s, it has served as a hub for the industry. Today, Curacao is one of the most popular jurisdictions for online gambling operators due to its relatively low tax rates and streamlined licensing process.
The Curacao Gaming Control Board, the regulatory body in charge of regulating online gambling operations in Curacao, and CIGA collaborate frequently. The Gaming Control Board is in charge of licensing and overseeing online gaming businesses, making sure they abide by rules and regulations specific to the industry, and enforcing penalties for non-compliance.
CIGA operates as a self-regulatory body that works in conjunction with the Gaming Control Board to promote responsible gaming practices and protect consumers. Members of the CIGA are obligated to abide by a strict code of conduct, which includes standards for responsible gambling, ethical gaming, and anti-money laundering procedures.
According to CIGA, the group has more than 30 members, who collectively account for a sizeable portion of the Curacao online gaming market. The Curacao online gambling market has expanded significantly in recent years, and the island now hosts hundreds of online gaming businesses that bring in millions of dollars annually.
Overall, CIGA actively supports responsible gaming practices, works with the regulatory body, and advances the interests of its members in the Curacao online gambling industry. The association has helped Curacao’s online gambling market expand and thrive, making it a significant player in the global online gaming market.
