Curaçao's New Gaming Portal Revolutionizes Gambling Landscape

Today, on November 1, 2023, Curaçao marks a significant milestone in its journey as a prominent gambling jurisdiction. Dr. Javier Silvania, the Minister of Finance for Curaçao, described this day as a "momentous day" in the country's gambling history, signifying the start of a substantial transformation in the gaming landscape.

The new gaming portal introduced on September 1, serves two primary purposes. Firstly, it facilitates the processing of new applications under the current legislation with the Gaming Control Board (GCB). Secondly, it allows the registration of sub-licensees who wish to continue operating under the upcoming National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK). This ordinance will pave the way for the establishment of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA).

Starting from November 1, interested parties can register on the GCB portal for various purposes, including account management, sub-license registration, gaming applications, license management, and the ticketing system. However, it's essential to note that completed applications can only be submitted by verified accounts starting from November 15. This two-week window allows for account verification before the application is accepted.

To qualify as a verified account, it must be registered under a Curaçao company's name, use a unique company-associated email address, and include a signed letter of authorization from the Ultimate Beneficial Owner of the company. This verification process ensures that the application aligns with the company's interests before submission to the GCB. Successful license applicants will receive an interim Curaçao license, with six months to provide additional required documentation.

The launch of the gaming portal represents a pivotal step in Curaçao's transition towards implementing the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK). This regulatory overhaul aims to enhance and modernize Curaçao's existing gambling regulations, ensuring compliance and transparency.

Aideen Shortt, an advisor to the Minister of Finance, expressed the enthusiasm surrounding the GCB portal's launch. She stated that applicants had been eagerly anticipating this moment, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. The portal received numerous account registrations within minutes of going live, exceeding all expectations.

Notably, the LOK serves as a protective measure against being placed on the grey list. Curaçao, like other prominent gambling hubs such as Gibraltar, recognizes the importance of financial transparency and compliance with international standards. Curaçao is actively taking steps to prevent grey listing by adopting robust regulatory changes.