Curaçao extends gambling licences ahead of new regulatory regime transition

The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has granted a six-month extension to provisional gambling licences, allowing select operators to continue operating until 24 December 2025. This comes despite a new licensing framework taking effect that month, which prohibits the continued use of licences issued under the old system.

Originally set to expire on June 24, the provisional licences—issued under the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK)—will now remain valid for an additional six months. The extension applies to both B2C ‘Green Seal’ and B2B licence holders. Updated licences will be issued by 27 June.

The CGA said the extension gives operators time to meet the stricter requirements under the new framework. Operators that show compliance or significant progress may qualify for a full licence once the extended period ends.

“Operators licensed by or after 25 December 2024 should be compliant or show significant progress in relation to their issued checklists, including additional requirements under LOK during the first six-month period from the date of issuance of their provisional licence,” the CGA said in a statement on Tuesday.

The new rules include mandatory dispute resolution platforms and tighter anti-money laundering (AML) measures. The aim is to clean up Curaçao’s gambling industry and improve its global standing.

The LOK has faced delays since development began in September 2023. An influx of incomplete licence applications in 2024 slowed the rollout. 

Several master licences also expired during this period, prompting the CGA to open multiple licensing windows to accommodate B2C, B2B2C, and B2B operators. The delays in processing were compounded by widespread non-compliance in early documentation submissions.

Controversy further marred the transition when opposition politician Luigi Faneyte of the Real Alternative Party filed a report with the attorney general in November. He alleged corruption, fraud, and money laundering within the licensing process, claiming some licences were issued without a legal basis—leading to financial losses.

The CGA has strongly denied these accusations, maintaining that its procedures follow a “comprehensive licensing process” aligned with international best practices.