Curaçao Extends Provisional Online Gambling Licenses by Six Months

The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has extended provisional online gambling licenses for select operators by six months, pushing the expiry date to December 24, 2025. The move is designed to support operators navigating the island's newly overhauled regulatory framework for online gambling.

Originally issued under the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK), provisional licenses were due to expire on June 24. However, with a high volume of pending applications and new compliance measures, the CGA has opted to give qualified B2C (Green Seal) and B2B license holders additional time. Updated documentation for eligible operators is expected by June 27.

Compliance and Transition to Full Licenses

Operators that demonstrate significant progress toward fulfilling the CGA’s updated requirements may either qualify for a further extension or receive a full online gambling license. The LOK framework introduces a more stringent oversight system, including mandatory dispute resolution channels and tighter anti-money laundering protocols.

This transitional period is crucial for operators seeking to continue operating under Curaçao’s jurisdiction. Those that received licenses on or after December 25, 2024, are expected to show clear progress based on checklist submissions through the CGA’s online portal.

Reform Challenges and Allegations

The shift toward stricter regulation hasn’t been without controversy. Since the LOK framework began development in late 2023, the CGA has received a flood of license applications, many of which were initially incomplete. This administrative backlog has caused delays in issuing full licenses.

Further complicating the process were allegations from opposition politician Luigi Faneyte, who accused the CGA of misconduct in the licensing process, including claims of fraud and money laundering. A formal complaint was filed with the attorney general in November 2024. The CGA denied the accusations, maintaining that its licensing procedures were thorough and consistent with regulatory standards.

A Measured Step Toward Market Maturity

The decision to extend licenses represents a measured approach by the Curaçao authorities. Long known for its lenient licensing standards, the island is now working to position itself as a transparent and reputable regulator in the global gambling industry.

With a firm deadline in place, operators now have a clear mandate: comply with the new framework or risk exclusion. As the December expiry nears, all eyes will be on which entities secure full approval and which fall short.