Gaming Control Board Defends Curaçao Licensing Integrity

The Gaming Control Board (GCB) of Curaçao has addressed recent allegations about its licensing regime and regulatory authority.
The GCB emphasized its legal authority, robust licensing process, and commitment to transparency amid scrutiny over its online gaming regulation.
By ensuring fairness and adopting global best practices, the GCB aims to strengthen Curaçao’s position as a regulated gaming jurisdiction.
Learn how the GCB’s approach fosters trust and accountability in Curaçao’s evolving online gaming market.

Curaçao’s GCB Responds to Allegations, Defends Licensing Integrity and Transparency

Key Points

1. The GCB affirmed its authority to grant licenses under the National Ordinance on Hazard Games (NOOGH).
2. Curaçao’s comprehensive licensing process emphasizes transparency, due diligence, and compliance with global regulatory standards.
3. The GCB addressed the BC.Game bankruptcy case, highlighting its commitment to regulatory oversight and player protection.

The Gaming Control Board (GCB) of Curaçao has issued an official statement addressing allegations regarding its licensing regime and the integrity of its regulatory processes. As the authority responsible for overseeing gaming operators under the National Ordinance on Hazard Games (NOOGH), the GCB reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and compliance in regulating Curaçao’s burgeoning online gambling market.

Authority and Licensing Process

The GCB clarified its legal authority to grant, amend, and revoke licenses for online gambling operators. This authority, initially mandated to the Minister of Finance in 2019, was transferred to the GCB in March 2020 and updated in November 2023.

Contrary to allegations, the licenses granted under NOOGH are not provisional. Operators approved under the current framework receive full licenses. However, when the new National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) comes into force, NOOGH license holders will transition to provisional licenses under LOK, providing them a one-year window to meet updated compliance standards.

The GCB employs a multi-phase licensing process, which includes:

• Document completeness checks.
• Due diligence on decision-makers, including sanction screenings.
• Detailed reviews of business plans and websites.

This process ensures transparency, supported by an online portal where applicants can track their progress in real time.

Fee Management and Compliance

To counter claims of financial mismanagement, the GCB explained that operators pay fees directly to an official government bank account, bypassing the online portal. This ensures full accountability and eliminates the risk of embezzlement.

Additionally, while the GCB does not oversee compliance with foreign regulations, it relies on decisions from competent authorities to address violations in other jurisdictions.

Player Protections and Dispute Resolution

The GCB highlighted its efforts to improve player protection through its review of operators’ terms and conditions. Under the upcoming LOK framework, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) will become mandatory, ensuring independent evaluation of player complaints.

Complaints and ADR reports will contribute to the GCB’s risk-based supervision process, enabling it to identify and mitigate potential issues proactively.

BC.Game Bankruptcy Case

The GCB also addressed the BC.Game bankruptcy allegations. While confidentiality prevents detailed commentary, the GCB clarified that the bankruptcy was administrative and not due to insolvency. The dispute arose from unpaid player claims, leading to a court-appointed trustee overseeing the resolution process.

The GCB is consulting with relevant parties to determine appropriate regulatory actions to safeguard players and maintain market integrity.

A Commitment to Excellence

To effectively implement the LOK framework, the GCB collaborates with global experts and consultants experienced in regulated gaming jurisdictions. This ensures Curaçao’s regulatory approach aligns with international standards while addressing the unique challenges of the local market.

The Curaçao Gaming Control Board remains steadfast in its efforts to modernize the gaming industry through transparent licensing reforms, robust compliance mechanisms, and enhanced player protections. The forthcoming LOK framework represents a pivotal step in aligning Curaçao’s regulatory standards with global best practices.

By addressing allegations head-on and refining its processes, the GCB underscores its role as a responsible regulator, dedicated to fostering trust and integrity in the gaming sector. As the industry evolves, the GCB’s proactive approach ensures that Curaçao remains a competitive and respected hub for regulated gaming.

For operators and players alike, the GCB’s approach reflects a clear vision: accountability, innovation, and trust in Curaçao’s evolving gaming landscape.