White Star, part of Rhino Entertainment Group, has secured a new licence in Curaçao for its CasinoDays. Meanwhile, Games and More, Geeka Corporation and Small House now have Digital Seals.
Confirmation of the licence comes just 12 weeks after Curaçao launched a licensing process for the new regime. A portal to register opened in September but applicants could not register until 1 November.
The portal has been processing new applications under existing legislation with the GCB and to register all sub-licensees that want to keep operating after the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) is enacted.
After the LOK takes effect, the new Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) will come in.
“2024 heralds a transformative period in the regulatory landscape of Curacao’s gambling sector,” new GCB managing director Cedric Pietersz said. “Since opening our doors to applications less than 12 weeks ago, the volume of submissions has far exceeded our expectations.
“White Star’s licensure holds a special place in our hearts and history. It signifies a pivotal moment for Curacao’s evolution into a top-tier gambling jurisdiction with many more licences in process.”
Rhino CEO Ross Parkhill added: “Being the first to receive this direct licence is not only a privilege but a thrilling endorsement of our commitment to excellence and responsible gaming.
“We wholeheartedly support Curacao’s enhanced regulatory processes, recognising the added value and prestige it brings to our licence. We look forward to fostering an open and communicative relationship with the GCB, ensuring a bright and compliant future for online gaming.”
Clearing up confusion in Curaçao
While there is much support for the changing regime in Curaçao, there remains some sense of confusion. At present, Curaçao operates under the current National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH) legislation, but this will be changed by LOK.
Last month, reports surfaced that the LOK, which entered parliament in December, had been rejected. However, these reports proved to be false.
Subsequently, Javier Silvania, Curaçao minister of finance, released a statement condemning the rampant “misinformation” surrounding the LOK.
Silvania made two clarifications about the process. The first warns against misinformation while the second confirms the GCB’s licence issuing process remains the same.
To help clear up confusion, iGB delved into the process, explaining how legislation moves through the jurisdiction’s parliament.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/gaming/gaming-regulation/curacao-issues-first-licences-under-new-regime/
