🇨🇼 Island Nation Sets Firm Deadline for Compliance in Bid to Rebuild Global Reputation
The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (CGA) has issued a strong public warning to gambling operators offering services from the island without valid local licensing—signaling a sharp departure from years of regulatory laxity. This marks a significant step in Curaçao’s effort to overhaul its gaming laws and cast off its status as a haven for unregulated betting platforms.
Local License Now Non-Negotiable Under New Gambling Framework
Under Article 1.2(1) of Curaçao’s National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK), all operators conducting games of chance from within Curaçao must hold a valid CGA-issued license. The new enforcement policy makes it clear: operating under a foreign B2C license while based in Curaçao is illegal and may constitute a violation of both gambling legislation and the country’s Criminal Code.
CGA Statement:
“Many Curaçao-registered companies are holding foreign B2C licenses. Not only is this illegal—it creates false and misleading impressions to third parties.”
Enforcement Begins: Cease-and-Desist Orders Incoming
The CGA has begun preparing formal cease-and-desist notices for noncompliant entities, with the first wave expected to be delivered in the coming days. Further legal and regulatory action is anticipated if these operators fail to align with local legislation.
This marks a pivotal policy shift as the government seeks to restore global trust in Curaçao’s gaming ecosystem, particularly among jurisdictions that have long criticized its lax oversight.
Japan Demands Action on Unlicensed Sites
Curaçao’s leniency has drawn scrutiny from international regulators, most notably Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, which has repeatedly urged the island’s authorities to shut down unauthorized platforms targeting Japanese consumers. Japanese officials argue that such sites operate without proper tax obligations and expose players to unregulated risk, lacking consumer protection frameworks.
Responsible Gaming and Oversight Now Mandatory
The new regulatory regime significantly tightens compliance requirements. All CGA-licensed operators must now:
- Submit periodic financial and operational audits
- Maintain records demonstrating business integrity
- Enforce responsible gaming measures, including:
- At-risk player detection systems
- Self-exclusion mechanisms
- Transparent consumer protection protocols
What’s at Stake for Curaçao?
While the CGA’s stance is firmer than ever, effective enforcement will be key. Critics have long viewed Curaçao’s regulatory posture as more symbolic than actionable. A demonstrable commitment to enforcement could:
- Enhance the country’s standing with global regulators
- Attract tier-one investors and tech providers
- Minimize reputational risk across global gaming markets
Failure to follow through, however, may subject Curaçao to further scrutiny from international watchdogs and foreign ministries, potentially threatening the sustainability of its gambling license framework.
