CURAÇAO GAMING CONTROL BOARD ANNOUNCES IMPORTANT CHANGES TO FEES & COLLECTION POLICIES FOR GAMING LICENCES

The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) has announced significant updates to its fees and collection policies for gaming licences, effective immediately. These changes apply to all licensed operators, including those transitioning from sub-licenses under the NOOGH legislation. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates that operators need to be aware of to remain compliant.

New Licence Fee Structure

The GCB has introduced the following updates to the fee structure:

• Licence Fee: A non-refundable fee of NAF 36,000 (approximately EUR 18,360) is required at the time of licence issuance and on each anniversary of the licence. In addition, a monthly fee of NAF 7,000 (approximately EUR 3,570) applies to all licensees, along with any applicable “per-domain” fees.
• Orange Digital Seal: Sub-licensees authorised to display the temporary Orange Digital Seal must pay a non-refundable fee of NAF 28,000 (approximately EUR 14,280). This fee will be deducted from the total licence fee invoice once the application is approved by the GCB.

Invoicing & Payment Information

• Currency: Invoices will be issued in EUR, based on the Curaçao Central Bank’s exchange rate on the invoice date. Payments can be made in EUR or in USDT stablecoin.
• Full Licence Fee Payment: Operators have the option to pay the full licence fee for the year in advance.

Licence Issuance Process

Once the GCB approves a licence, an initial invoice of NAF 36,000 (approximately EUR 18,360) will be issued to the local director, alongside the first monthly invoice. The licence will be granted once this initial invoice is paid in full, and the operator is listed on the GCB’s licence register.

Operators are reminded that they cannot use the Green Digital Seal until their licence is formally granted. A soft copy of the licence will be available on the GCB portal upon issuance, while a hard copy can be collected from the GCB office after paying a NAF 60 stamp duty (approximately EUR 30.60).

Invoicing & Collection Terms

The GCB has outlined strict payment deadlines for both initial and monthly fees:

• Initial Invoice: Must be paid within 5 calendar days. Failure to do so will result in the formal rejection of the licence application.
• Monthly Fees: Payment is due within 14 calendar days. In the event of non-payment, the following actions will be taken:
  • After 14 days: First reminder issued.
  • After 28 days: Second reminder issued.
  • After 42 days: A warning of pending licence suspension is issued.
  • After 47 days: The licence will be suspended, and the Green Digital Seal will reflect this status.
  • After 57 days: The licence will be revoked if payment remains unsettled.

Suspensions & Revocations

Licence suspensions and revocations will be processed through the GCB portal. These changes will be reflected on both the Green Digital Seal and the GCB’s public licence register. Repeated delays in payment may also trigger additional enforcement actions by the GCB.

Orange Digital Seal Payment Policy

The payment for the Orange Digital Seal must be made within 5 calendar days. Failure to pay will result in delays in the licensing process, potentially affecting the outcome of the licence application.

Next Steps

Operators are strongly encouraged to review these updates thoroughly to ensure compliance with the GCB’s new policies. Timely payments and adherence to the deadlines are critical to maintaining an active licence and avoiding operational disruptions.

For any further inquiries or assistance with your GCB licensing requirements, please contact us. Our team is available to help you navigate these changes and ensure your operations continue smoothly.