WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has outlined its responsibilities under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), emphasizing that the island's reformed online gambling framework requires operators to meet ongoing regulatory obligations rather than simply obtain a license.
In a statement issued as part of its public information series, "CGA Explains," the regulator describes how the LOK has fundamentally changed the relationship between gambling companies and the authorities responsible for supervising them.
The reform replaces Curaçao's former licensing structure, which operated through four master licenses, with a system in which online gambling operators must apply directly to the CGA for authorization.
Under the previous arrangement, master license holders played a central role in the licensing structure. The new framework establishes a more direct relationship between individual operators and the regulator, allowing the CGA to assess applicants and supervise licensed businesses.
According to the authority, the changes are intended to strengthen integrity, accountability, consumer protection, and compliance with applicable legislation.
The CGA stresses that it is an independent regulatory authority established by law and does not operate gambling businesses or participate in the commercial activities of the industry.
Its responsibility is to regulate and supervise the sector in accordance with the LOK.
The authority explains that obtaining a license is only the beginning of an operator's regulatory obligations.
Licensed companies must continue complying with reporting requirements, notify the regulator of specified developments, and cooperate with supervisory activities.
The CGA also evaluates operators' financial structures, sources of capital, business plans, internal systems, and operating procedures.
Compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requirements forms another important part of the supervisory framework.
The regulator is also responsible for monitoring whether licensed operators implement appropriate player protection measures and responsible gambling practices.
These obligations are intended to ensure that companies remain accountable throughout their operations rather than being assessed only when they initially apply for authorization.
The CGA says it uses supervisory tools to identify potential risks and monitor compliance within the industry.
When concerns arise, the authority may review the circumstances and determine whether additional action is appropriate under the law.
Such action may include investigating possible violations, imposing supervisory measures, or applying sanctions when legally justified.
To explain how these powers are exercised, the regulator publishes policies and instructions concerning its supervisory and enforcement responsibilities.
The authority acknowledges that implementing a regulatory reform of this scale is a complex process.
According to the CGA, it is unrealistic to expect every historical problem within Curaçao's gambling industry to be resolved within one or two years.
Establishing an effective regulatory framework requires the development of legislation, qualified personnel, technological systems, licensing procedures, compliance mechanisms, domain registration processes, and enforcement capabilities.
These elements must operate together to ensure that the licensing system functions effectively over the long term.
The statement comes as Curaçao continues its transition toward a more comprehensive regulatory structure for an industry that has become an important part of the island's international business environment.
For years, Curaçao has served as a licensing jurisdiction for online gambling companies operating in international markets.
The introduction of the LOK represents an effort to strengthen oversight and establish clearer responsibilities for both operators and the regulator.
The CGA emphasizes that effective regulation cannot be measured solely by the number of licenses issued.
Instead, it requires continuous supervision, compliance monitoring, and the ability to respond when operators fail to meet their legal obligations.
The authority maintains that these measures are essential to protecting consumers and preserving the integrity and international reputation of Curaçao's online gambling sector.
Its central message is that a gambling license does not represent the end of regulatory scrutiny but the beginning of an ongoing relationship in which operators must demonstrate continued compliance with the law.