WILLEMSTAD - According to Minister of Finance Javier Silvania, thousands of applications for online gaming licenses have been received, with 220 licenses already granted. Silvania shared this update during the discussion of the 2024 budget in the Parliament. 

The Gaming Control Board (GCB) is confident that more applications will follow, and estimates that 600 licenses will be granted by the end of the first quarter of 2025. 

The revenue from online gaming in 2024 is currently based on the existing legislation, the "Landsverordening buitengaatse hazardspelen" (National Ordinance on Offshore Gambling). Once the "Landsverordening op de kansspelen" (LOK) is approved by Parliament, a projected 40 million guilders will be included in the 2025 budget. Silvania explained that the current budget allocates 30 million guilders for online gaming and 10 million guilders for land-based casinos. 

The 220 licenses granted thus far are based on the existing laws, with 15 million guilders in fees already invoiced. The government has received 12 million guilders of this amount. “These payments reflect the number of months for which the licenses have been granted. As such, these 220 licenses will generate much more revenue in 2025 on an annual basis than the 12 million guilders received so far,” stated Silvania. 

As of early December, there are 553 pending license applications with the GCB, and 279 new applications are awaiting processing. The government expects even more applications under the LOK, as this new law provides greater security and strengthens Curaçao’s reputation as a jurisdiction for online gaming. 

“By issuing 600 licenses, the country will meet the projected revenue of 30 million guilders. Additionally, the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), which is currently still the GCB, will be able to cover its expenses, build necessary reserves, and operate independently, in line with the advice from the Council of Advice,” Silvania concluded.