Under the nation’s contemporary regulatory regime, Curaçao’s official regulator of the land-based on line casino business, the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB), has granted its 1st licenses.
First licenses:
The firm that acquired the inaugural direct license is White Star BV, a division of Rhino Entertainment Group, and the license is for its flagship model CasinoDays. Beside this, the stated regulator additionally issued Digital Seals to three well-known operators akin to Small House, Geeka Corporation and Games and More, supporting all manufacturers and domains below their jurisdiction with the formal Digital Seal of validation from the stated regulator.
The affirmation of the license occurred solely 12 weeks following the beginning of the licensing course of for the most recent regime in Curaçao. In this sense, the registration portal was formally opened in September. However, candidates weren’t allowed to register until November 1.
The aforementioned portal processes contemporary purposes in accordance with current laws with the regulator and registers any sub-licensee who needs to proceed working following the adoption of the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK). As quickly because the LOK comes into pressure, the contemporary Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) will formally enter the scene.
Commenting on the primary licenses, Managing Director of the GCB, Cedric Pietersz, commented: “2024 heralds a transformative period in the regulatory landscape of Curacao’s gambling sector. Since opening our doors to applications less than 12 weeks ago, the volume of submissions has far exceeded our expectations. White Star’s licensure holds a special place in our hearts and history. It signifies a pivotal moment for Curacao’s evolution into a top-tier gambling jurisdiction with many more licences in process.”
Relatedly, commenting on the brand new direct license, Ross Parkhill, CEO of Rhino Entertainment Group, stated according to the source: “Being the first to receive this direct licence is not only a privilege but a thrilling endorsement of our commitment to excellence and responsible gaming. We wholeheartedly support Curacao’s enhanced regulatory processes, recognizing the added value and prestige it brings to our licence. We look forward to fostering an open and communicative relationship with the GCB, ensuring a bright and compliant future for online gaming.”
Eliminating uncertainty in Curaçao:
Although there may be robust assist for the altering regime within the nation, some uncertainty stays. Currently, the stated nation operates in accordance with National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH) laws. However, this can be amended by the aforementioned LOK.
In January, studies emerged that LOK, which formally entered parliament within the final month of 2023, had been refused. But these studies turned out to be false alarms.
Afterwards, Curaçao’s Minister of Finance, Javier Silvania, revealed a press release expressing his disapproval on the outrageous “misinformation” about LOK. He moreover supplied 2 clarifications concerning the method. The former gives a warning towards misinformation, whereas the latter verifies that the license issuing course of by the GCB stays utterly the identical.
