Curaçao Finance Minister Addresses Misinformation Surrounding New Gambling Law
Date: 2024-01-12 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: EVENTS
Misinformation Concerns
Silvania acknowledged the LOK's submission to parliament would spark debates but expressed concern about the misinformation clouding the discussion. He emphasized the importance of relying on accurate information from either the Ministry of Finance or the Curaçao Gaming Control Board.
License Issuance Unchanged
The minister clarified that the existing licensing process under the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH) remains unaffected. Critical milestones set on December 20, 2023, for license issuance continue as planned, providing stability during the transition.
Support for the Gaming Control Board
Silvania expressed his full support for the Gaming Control Board (GCB) during this transitional period. He highlighted the GCB's role and authority, emphasizing that any suggestion otherwise would be misleading.
Key Transition Date
A pivotal date in this process is March 31, 2024. After this date, registration of sub-licenses on the GCB portal and the application for a direct license under the NOOGH will no longer be possible. Moreover, Master Licences will not be extended or renewed past this date.
License Renewals and Digital Seals
The GCB has already initiated the renewal of all gambling licenses in Curaçao, with the last renewal scheduled for January 2025. Starting from January 1, 2024, license holders can display a Digital Seal on their websites, further enhancing transparency in the industry. The GCB will release a dedicated policy on Digital Seals in the future.
In summary, Minister Silvania aims to ensure that accurate information prevails during the transition to the new gambling law in Curaçao, while also emphasizing support for the Gaming Control Board's crucial role in this process.
