WILLEMSTAD - As 2025 comes to an end, the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) takes pride in showcasing our achievements of the first year of the Landsverordening op de Kansspelen (LOK).
The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) is the continuation of the Gaming Control Board (GCB). The GCB was a foundation established on 19 April 1999 with the specific purpose of supervising the entire gaming industry operating in and from Curaçao. With the entry into force of the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) on 24 December 2024, the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) became an independent public entity with expanded powers in licensing, supervision, and enforcement.
The National Ordinance on Games of Chance (Landsverordening op de Kansspelen (LOK) replaced outdated, fragmented and inconsistent gaming laws, and introduced a modern framework ensuring integrity, transparency, responsible gaming and Curaçao’s international reputation. It also enhances consumer protection, strengthens AML/CFT controls, and meets international standards. The reform was partly driven by the “Landspakket” commitments and the need to professionalize an industry with hundreds of online operators.
LOK moved Curaçao from a lightly regulated, often criticised sublicense jurisdiction to a modern i-Gaming regime with an independent authority, clearer rules, visible consumer protection and more attention to ML/KYC of players. It also aligned Curaçao with international expectations (FATF standards), independent supervision, enforcement powers, and better collection of taxes and fees. With the improvement on transparency and reputation, Curaçao gained more interest from serious operators and a more sustainable, respected role as an i-Gaming hub, supporting economic diversification.
The LOK has a direct licensing system, wherein operators now fall directly under CGA supervision, supported by a clear legal basis. LOK created public value and it also expands job opportunities in the gaming industry. LOK introduced a revenue model where fixed income is based on higher CGA and government-collected fees, improving national revenue and Curaçao’s economy. Of this CGA and government income, 11% is set aside for special funds that support Curaçao, including 3% for the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, 2% for the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Well-Being, 1% for foundations to combat gambling addiction and 5% for Old-Age Fund for pensioners.
Establishing the foundation
● During the first year, the CGA focused on developing the essential framework and internal capacity needed to implement the new law in practice. CGA has employed 10 new employees that are dedicated to the LOK framework.
● On 9 January 2025, the integrated AML/CFT/FP policy and the related requirements for compliance officers took effect. This was followed by the publication on 17 April 2025 of the Responsible Gaming Policy and the updated Complaints Policy on 18 June 2025 that provide clearer procedures for operators in their interactions with players.
● On 1 March 2025, CGA relocated to a new building that allows for future growth, expanded its specialised supervision team, and established a dedicated Enforcement Unit.
● The certification process for Gaming Test Houses was opened on 23 May 2025. Gaming Test Houses are independent bodies that verify whether casino games operate fairly, randomly, and securely, including the proper functioning of Random Number Generators (RNGs). To date, two (2) Gaming Test Houses have been certified, while two (2) others are in the final assessment stage.
● ADR guidelines were published on 8 September 2025, inviting organizations to apply as Alternative Dispute Resolution providers. ADR supports the Complaints Policy by offering players an independent option when disputes cannot be resolved through an operator’s internal process. Currently, six (6) ADR applications are being processed.
Licensing and financial contribution
● As of 17 December 2025, 604 provisional licenses have been granted to operators (551 B2C) and suppliers (53 B2B). A total of 139 applications have been rejected, reflecting stricter criteria under the LOK. By now all applications under the old regime have been processed. Additionally, 37 applications have been submitted under the new LOK framework, indicating continued interest in Curaçao as a jurisdiction.
● To date approximately XCG 40 million has been collected, divided between the Government of Curaçao and the CGA.
● To date about XCG 4,4 million is available to fund several projects to the benefit of Curaçao.
Next steps: reassessment in 2026
The CGA is in process to review the provisional licenses that are set for an indefinite license to determine whether they qualify within the LOK framework.
Implementing a new legal framework of this scale is complex and requires time to properly roll out. Not all aspects of the LOK are fully embedded yet, reassessment of provisional licenses is a priority, and both the supervisor and license holders continue to adapt.
This overview serves as a transparent snapshot of progress to date and the work still ahead and we thank and celebrate all who contributed to make the first year of LOK a start of many more successful years.