Curaçao Extends Provisional Gambling Licences by Six Months
Curaçao’s gambling regulator has extended the validity of provisional Green Seal licences for B2C and B2B operators until 24 December 2025, as delays in processing new licence applications continue under the country’s updated regulatory framework.
Green Seal Licences Valid Until December
The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) confirmed that both B2C and B2B licence holders under the so-called Green Seal system will be permitted to operate until 24 December 2025. The announcement marks a six-month extension from the original expiration date of 24 June, which was tied to the provisional licence period introduced under the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK).
The extension will apply selectively, and eligible operators are expected to receive updated documentation by 27 June. According to the regulator, the additional time is intended to help licence holders align with the full set of regulatory requirements before being considered for a permanent licence.
The CGA made it clear that not all operators will automatically receive extensions or full licences. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the authority said that those licensed on or after 25 December 2024 must demonstrate full compliance—or at least significant progress—on checklist items, including newly introduced LOK standards, during their initial six-month term.
“An extension of up to a maximum of six months, or the issuance of a full licence, will depend on the level of progress demonstrated by the operator,” the regulator said.
As part of the reformed licensing system, operators must now meet more stringent compliance obligations, including the provision of a dispute resolution portal to address player complaints without resorting to legal proceedings. The changes are also aimed at tightening anti-money laundering (AML) rules and enhancing the jurisdiction’s international credibility.
A Delayed and Contested Transition
While the reform efforts are meant to modernise Curaçao’s gambling oversight, the transition has not been smooth. The LOK framework has been in development since September 2023, but an influx of licence applications last year overwhelmed the system. Many early submissions were incomplete or failed to meet documentation requirements, contributing to widespread delays.
During this period, a number of master licences under the old regime expired, prompting the CGA to reopen the application window multiple times to accommodate B2C, B2B2C, and B2B operators under the new system.
The regulatory overhaul has also faced political scrutiny. In November 2024, opposition politician Luigi Faneyte of the Real Alternative Party filed a complaint with the attorney general, alleging that gambling licences had been issued without legal basis. He claimed the process was marred by fraud and money laundering, leading to potential financial harm.
The CGA has denied these accusations, maintaining that the licensing process is both comprehensive and legally sound. It continues to position the new framework as a necessary step to professionalise the sector and ensure long-term stability.