The Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) recently announced that to assist operators in smoothly transitioning to the upcoming new regulatory framework, it will automatically extend the initial temporary licenses issued under the National Opportunity Games Ordinance (LOK) framework by six months. This measure is intended to give market participants more time to adapt to the comprehensive upgrade of the regulatory environment.
According to the notice issued by the CGA, the temporary licenses originally set to be issued on December 24, 2024 (the official effective date of LOK) will now expire on June 24, 2025. However, these licenses will be automatically extended to December 24, 2025, unless the licensee has received explicit notification from the CGA that the extension will not be granted.
The CGA stated that all entities not within the scope of the extension have been notified separately. For operators who have received the extension, the official will issue updated license documents before June 27, 2025 (Friday).
This extension applies to all B2C operators (i.e., "Green Seal" holders) and B2B service providers. This move further indicates that Curacao is steadily advancing its regulatory modernization process, aiming to implement the LOK system gradually to achieve higher standards of management and transparency control over the iGaming market.
The Gaming Authority emphasized that licensed operators must continue to fulfill all obligations listed through the CGA online platform during the extension period, especially the new policies and standards consistent with LOK requirements. Meanwhile, new operators who obtain licenses after December 24, 2024, must demonstrate substantial compliance progress within the next six months to possibly receive further extensions or official licenses.
This extended deadline not only conveys Curacao's clear attitude towards guiding the healthy development of the industry but also provides existing and new market entrants with ample time to upgrade their compliance mechanisms, technical systems, and management processes.
In its statement, the CGA pointed out that this extension does not mean a relaxation of regulation but emphasizes support for a sustainable, responsible gaming operation model. The regulatory body will continue to base on the second phase of the licensing period to ensure all platforms ultimately achieve full compliance, thereby establishing Curacao's new iGaming image under the global compliance framework.
