Curaçao Gaming Authority Grants Six-Month Extension on Temporary Gambling Licenses

Under the new structure, provisional licences issued through the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) were originally valid for six months, expiring on 24 June 2025. However, the CGA has now confirmed that select B2C ‘Green Seal’ and B2B operators will receive updated licences valid for another six months. These licences are expected to be issued no later than 27 June. 

Compliance Requirements and Transition to Full Licences 

The CGA said the extension will give operators more time to meet compliance obligations under the new LOK regulations. Operators that demonstrate sufficient progress or full compliance during the extended period may be eligible to receive a full licence. 

“Operators licensed by or after 25 December 2024 should be compliant or show significant progress in relation to their issued checklists, including additional requirements under LOK during the first six-month period from the date of issuance of their provisional licence,” the CGA stated in a release on Tuesday. 

The authority clarified that the extension or upgrade to a full licence will depend on each operator’s demonstrated progress. 

The new licensing framework introduces stricter oversight, including a mandatory dispute resolution portal for player complaints and tighter anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. These reforms aim to enhance Curaçao’s international reputation as a trusted and transparent gaming jurisdiction. 

A Complicated Path to Reform 

Curaçao’s transition to its new gambling framework has not been without challenges. The LOK has been in development since September 2023, when the CGA began accepting new licence applications. However, an influx of applicants—many of whom failed to submit complete documentation—delayed the process significantly. 

The shift also came during the expiration of legacy master licences, prompting the CGA to open multiple licensing windows for B2C, B2B2C, and B2B operators. 

Adding to the tension were allegations of corruption, fraud, and money laundering within the licensing system, made by Luigi Faneyte, an opposition member of the Real Alternative Party. Faneyte filed a formal complaint with the Attorney General’s Office in November 2024, accusing the CGA of issuing licences without proper legal basis, allegedly causing financial losses. 

The CGA, however, firmly denied the claims, defending its licensing regime as comprehensive, lawful, and reform-driven. 

A Pivotal Moment for Curaçao’s Gambling Industry 

The extension represents a key moment in Curaçao’s efforts to professionalize and regulate its gambling sector. Long regarded as a lightly regulated offshore hub, the island is now working to establish a more robust and compliant industry standard that aligns with international expectations. 

With the December deadline set, operators now face a clear choice: adapt and comply, or risk losing their ability to operate under Curaçao’s jurisdiction.