Curaçao Gaming Control Board Grants First Licenses Upon the Launch of New Regime

During recent months, there has been a lot of discussion on the new regulatory regime Curacao, one of the most popular online casino jurisdictions, has established. The local regulator Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) issued its first licenses 12 weeks after the new regulatory framework went live.

As a small reminder, the regulatory process opened in September 2023, but applicants were not able to register until November 1, 2023. After the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) takes effect, the new Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) will become the institution in charge of governing the gambling sector.

Introducing the Ice-Breaking Licensees

One of the brands to receive the license is the White Star, part of Rhino Entertainment Group. The company has secured a new license in Curaçao for its CasinoDays. Also, Games and More, Geeka Corporation, and Small House are now proud owners of Digital Seals.

Rhino CEO Ross Parkhill commented on the certificate:

 “Being the first to receive this direct licence is not only a privilege but a thrilling endorsement of our commitment to excellence and responsible gaming.”

As he explained, the corporation wholeheartedly supports Curacao’s enhanced regulatory processes. The new regime, which relies on much more stringent standards than the previous system, adds a dose of prestige to the license. He also added that an open and transparent relationship with the GCB will ensure a bright and compliant future for the iGaming industry.

Governed by a team of casino enthusiasts, Rhino Affiliates is an affiliate program that promises its associates great conversions and fast payments. Casino Days aside, the company also runs Buusti Kasino, LuckySpins Casino, BigBoost Casino, and BigBaazi Casino.

Significant Moments for Curacao’s Gambling Sector

As mentioned in the introductory part, the registrations opened in November last year, but the official portal for applications went live two months earlier than that, in September 2023.

Commenting on the milestone moment for the entire regulatory regime of Curacao, new GCB managing director Cedric Pietersz said:

“2024 heralds a transformative period in the regulatory landscape of Curacao’s gambling sector. Since opening our doors to applications less than 12 weeks ago, the volume of submissions has far exceeded our expectations. “

Worth noting is that the process of regime overhaul is still active, with a couple of more confusing parts to be defined precisely. Namely, Curaçao operates under the current National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH) legislation, but this will be changed by LOK.

When it comes to the regulatory framework of Curaçao, although the first concrete steps have been taken in recent periods, the possibilities have been discussed quite some time ago. In November 2020 it was announced that the system needs a revamp, with Curacao being given March 2021 as the timetable for introducing a new and improved regulator.

Two years later, in July 2022, new suggestions for reforms were presented, focusing more on measures for tackling illegal gambling. Previously, the jurisdiction was often criticized for being too liberal and having low barriers and almost no scrutiny for its licensees.

Source:

“Curaçao issues first licences under new regime”, igamingbusiness.com, February 5, 2024.