CURAÇAO SET TO RESUME IGAMING LICENCE INTAKE THROUGH GCB PORTAL

The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) will reopen the GCB Portal on July 15th, 2024, at 00:01 Curaçao time

This reopening is a significant milestone as it signifies the GCB will resume the acceptance and processing of applications under the current NOOGH legislation, catering to B2C, B2B2C, and B2B operators.

During this period, the While the portal will accept new applications, the primary focus remains on processing those received within the originally stipulated time frame and the GCB will continue to prioritise applications submitted on or before the April 30th deadline.

Portal & Procedural Changes

Prospective applicants should refer to the updated Application Submission Guidelines published in March 2024 on the GCB website and the application manual available on the GCB portal. 

With regards to Portal administration an account on the portal must be opened by an Official Representative of the Curaçao entity as the “Portal Administrator” with the authority to assign roles such as “Portal User” or “Licensee Account”. 

These roles can be assigned to any individual chosen by the entity, including internal licensing departments, CSPs, or authorised agents. Either the Portal User or Licensee Account can submit the application, with the Official Representative required to appear in the Curaçao Chamber of Commerce excerpt of the company.

The registration process for “Qualifying Persons” has also been updated, requiring additional information for the issuance of a Personal Account Number (PAN).

Applications now include real-time checklists that clarify the outstanding documentation or information required by the GCB. 

Applicants are advised to regularly check the portal and upload documents directly to expedite the process.

Master Licence Expiry & Temporary Measures

The GCB reminds users that none of the Master Licences will be renewed after their expiration dates, with the first expiring in August 2024 and the last in January 2025. If the LOK is enacted before these expiration dates, the Master License will automatically end on the enactment date.

Sublicensees with applications in progress but who have not yet been granted a direct licence at the time of their associated Master License expiration will be offered a “Certificate of Operation” as a temporary measure to facilitate continued operations. Certificates of Operation will not be provided to current sublicensees without fully completed applications registered on the portal.

Domain Management

Detailed instructions on adding, removing, and transferring domains are provided in the User Manual available on the portal’s home page. Domains are accepted with proof of ownership from a registry, and any sale/transfer documentation if applicable. The GCB will manually verify domains, after which the Digital Seal may be added.

In recent months, the issuance of iGaming licences has been gathering inertia with a notable improvement in pace and efficiency. 

We are particularly pleased to report that a number of our clients have successfully received their licences from the third batch issued. Feedback has been positive amidst an overall satisfaction with the process and support provided by the GCB.

As always, we remain committed to assisting our clients in navigating the licensing process, ensuring they can leverage the opportunities presented by Curaçao’s thriving iGaming sector.

For more information on how to apply for an iGaming licence or for assistance in achieving your business goals in this exciting industry please contact our team.