NEW RULES CLARIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATORS EXITING THE CURAÇAO MARKET
The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has published new instructions outlining the process license holders must follow when winding down gaming operations or discontinuing online gaming interfaces.
The guidance applies to B2C and B2B license holders in cases involving voluntary licence surrender, enforcement-related revocation, rejection of licence applications or the closure of individual online gaming services.
The instructions are designed to ensure an orderly cessation of activities and clarify the obligations operators must meet when their licence or gaming operations come to an end.
Wind-down process clarified
The CGA defines a wind-down as the orderly cessation of gaming activities. It does not constitute the liquidation or dissolution of a company, and operators remain responsible for resolving outstanding player claims and other legal obligations.
Operators wishing to voluntarily surrender a licence must submit a signed request from the local managing director, explaining the reason for surrender, confirming when player activity will cease and providing a completed wind-down report.
Where a licence is revoked as an enforcement measure, operators must immediately stop accepting new players, wagers or business. The use of the CGA seal is also no longer permitted.
The same restrictions apply where the CGA rejects a second-term provisional licence extension or an application for an indefinite licence. In these cases, operators are granted six weeks from the date of rejection to complete the wind-down process.
Fees and obligations remain payable
The CGA has also confirmed that licence surrender, revocation or rejection does not entitle operators to refunds for fees already paid.
Operators remain responsible for settling outstanding balances owed to the CGA or the Government of Curaçao, as well as resolving any remaining player claims and other obligations.
Clarity for operators
The guidance provides clearer requirements for operators managing the closure of gaming activities under the Curaçao licensing framework.
For further information and assistance regarding the latest CGA requirements, please contact the IGA team.
