WILLEMSTAD - The deadline for the registration of sub-licensees in the gaming sector in Curaçao has been postponed. Initially, these registrations were required to be completed by March 31. However, due to logistical issues, this deadline has now been extended to April 30.
This postponement comes at a time when Curaçao is still awaiting approval of the new National Ordinance on Games of Chance. Despite this period of uncertainty, eight licenses have already been issued by the Gaming Control Board (GCB) in recent months. These will be converted into a LOK license upon the implementation of the new law.
Earlier this month, the GCB had already published guidelines emphasizing the impending deadline of March 31. This document also mentioned that there will be no restrictive list of countries where Curaçaoan licensees may operate. Nevertheless, gambling companies were reminded of the deadline to register in the GCB portal.
The shift in the deadline comes after some sub-licensees faced logistical challenges. This has resulted in many applications not meeting the required standards, causing delays in processing by both the GCB and the applying parties.
The GCB emphasizes that all applications currently under review will be processed within the new deadline and that existing guidelines and requirements remain in effect. Companies failing to meet the new deadline will face consequences. The regulator has also indicated that there will be no further extensions and any requests for such will be rejected.
This decision is in line with the commitment of the Minister of Finance to ensure the continuity of operations for sub-licensees within the transitional arrangements and the new legal frameworks. Nevertheless, the pressure on companies remains high to meet the stipulated requirements within the new deadline.