THE HAGUE - The Dutch Minister of Legal Protection Franc Weerwind has announced that he sees the permit system in Curaçao as a risk for the regulated gambling market in the Netherlands. This is because there is no centralized system in Curaçao like in the Netherlands. Minister Weerwind therefore ensures a reform of casino legislation in Curaçao. He wants a new independent supervisor to be comparable to the Gaming Authority in the Netherlands.
Curaçao was one of the first countries in the world where one could request a casino license. Anyone who had sufficient financial resources could get a permit on the island. However, because the quality of casinos was not taken into account, an online casino in Curaçao was not very well regarded. This will change soon.
Master and sub-licensing
In Curaçao, the casino removal works differently than in the Netherlands. Where the permits are issued by the Gaming Authority, this is done in Curaçao by companies that have a license themselves. They have received permission from the government as a master license holder to issue other online gambling providers sub -permits.
Minister Weerwind finds this a problem, because this means that Egaming Curaçao cannot say with certainty that the gambling companies meet the conditions. Because they do not have a centralized system, there is no clear overview of which casino providers now have a permit. The purpose of the new Gaming Act National Ordinance for the games of chance is that this system will be changed, so that the supervision of games of chance improves.
Curaçao Gaming Authority
A reform is already underway. This reform consists mainly of replacing the regulator for online games of chance. This is currently gaming control board, but will be replaced by Curaçao Gaming Authority. This new body will ensure that more control takes place.
The intention is that this reform was completed at the end of 2022. From this moment on, permit holders will be better monitored and more tax money will be collected. The Netherlands in particular is busy completing this reform as quickly as possible, because it was a condition for Corona financial support in the Netherlands in 2020.
From 2022, permits will therefore no longer be issued on the basis of financial resources, but permit holders must meet all the requirements imposed. They must also take into account the rules of the countries in which they will offer their services, such as Paysafecard casinos and gambling without an account.
The role of the Netherlands
Although the Dutch Minister Weerwind is the one who applied for this reform, the Netherlands and the Gaming Authority are not part of the setting up of this new legislation. How this is done is the responsibility of Curaçao itself, but the Netherlands will support the country with its experience and knowledge.
Minister Weerwind does see this reform as a positive development that will influence the Netherlands. Because the market is regulated, better licenses will be issued that protect online gamblers.