Key points:
- The GCB affirmed its authority to issue licences and outlined its multi-phase process
- Operators must adhere to local laws, with foreign violations handled by relevant authorities
- The new regulatory framework aims to improve player protection through mandatory dispute resolution
The Gaming Control Board (GCB) of Curaçao has addressed recent allegations concerning its licensing authority and regulatory reforms under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK).
Central to the GCB's response is a defence of its legal authority to issue gaming licences. The board clarifies that its licensing power was officially mandated by the Minister of Finance in March 2020, with subsequent amendments in November 2023. This authority allows the GCB to grant, modify, suspend or revoke licences as needed.
As such, the GCB has overseen the issuance of licences under the National Ordinance on Hazard Games (NOOGH) since 2020. These licences are not provisional, but once the LOK framework comes into effect, existing NOOGH licences will transition into provisional LOK licences. Operators will then have a one-year window to comply fully with the updated requirements.
The GCB also detailed its multi-phase licensing process, which includes verifying documentation, conducting due diligence checks, evaluating business plans and reviewing operator websites.
Financial transparency is also addressed, with the GCB emphasising that license fees are paid directly into an official government bank account. The board therefore rejects claims of potential fund mismanagement, asserting a clear and accountable payment process.
Good to know: While the current system is primarily manual, the GCB is exploring the integration of technologies like AI to streamline operations in the future
Beyond this, operators are also reminded of their responsibility to comply with the laws of the jurisdictions in which they operate. The GCB noted that enforcement actions for foreign violations are handled by relevant local authorities, with regulatory decisions guided by the severity of any breaches.
In terms of player complaints, the GCB clarified that these are initially handled by operators as per their terms and conditions. Under the LOK, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) will become mandatory, providing a more independent framework for resolving disputes.
Finally, the statement from GCB also briefly touched upon the recent BC.Game bankruptcy case, noting it is an administrative process related to a dispute between the website and players – with a trustee now appointed to manage player payments.
