Curaçao GCB Restarts Online Gambling License Portal with New Procedures and Important Information for Licensees
The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) has reopened its online portal for applications for B2C, B2B2C, and B2B gambling licenses. This restart comes after a period of closure and aims to address a backlog of applications received before the April 30th deadline. While prioritizing the processing of these existing applications, the GCB welcomes new submissions from operators seeking Curaçao licenses.
Updated Portal Procedures for a Streamlined Process
To ensure a smooth application process, the GCB encourages applicants to familiarize themselves with the latest guidelines. This includes the March 2024 Application Trasition and Submission Guidelines and the application manual available on the GCB portal. Here's a breakdown of the key changes applicants should be aware of:
- Designation of Portal User Roles: The initial account setup requires the Official Representative of the Curaçao entity applying for the license to establish a portal account. This representative can then assign specific roles to authorized individuals, such as "Portal Administrator" and "Portal User." Importantly, both Portal Users and Licensee Accounts can submit applications on behalf of the entity.
- Revised Qualifying Person Registration: The "Qualifying Persons" section within the application process now requires more detailed information. This is necessary for obtaining a Personal Account Number (PAN) for each qualifying person.
- Real-Time Checklists for Efficient Application Completion: The GCB has implemented a helpful feature: real-time checklists within the application itself. These checklists dynamically update to highlight any missing documentation or information required by the GCB to proceed with the application. To expedite processing, the GCB recommends uploading all necessary documents directly on the portal rather than submitting them via email or messaging systems.
The GCB acknowledges that minor issues may arise during the application process. In such cases, the GCB may choose to proceed with the application while addressing the minor concerns. However, for more significant issues, the application process might be paused until a satisfactory resolution is reached. In some instances, these issues could lead to the inclusion of specific licensing conditions.
Master License Expiry and Certificates of Operation: Important Information for Licensees
The GCB reminds all Curacao licensees that none of the existing Master Licenses will be renewed upon their expiry dates. These expiry dates range from August ⃙2024 to January ⃙2025. Furthermore, if the National Ordinance on Gambling (LOK) is enacted before any of these expiration dates, the Master License will automatically terminate on the date the LOK comes into effect.
The GCB has established a solution to ensure continuity of operations for sub-licensees whose Master License is expiring and whose applications for direct licenses are still pending. In these specific situations, the GCB will offer temporary "Certificates of Operation" to facilitate continued operations for the sub-licensees. However, it's crucial to note that this temporary measure will only be available to sub-licensees with applications in progress on the portal. Current sub-licensees with incomplete applications will not be eligible for Certificates of Operation.
The GCB is actively processing all license applications as quickly as possible to minimize the gap between Master License expiry and the issuance of direct licenses. If a direct license isn't issued by the time a Master License expires, the domain token associated with the sub-license will link to the temporary Certificate of Operation and display an Orange Digital Seal (rather than the Green Digital Seal used for direct licenses). The Green Digital Seal will only be issued once a direct license is granted.
Domain Management:
The User Manual readily available on the portal homepage provides detailed instructions on adding, removing, and transferring domains. Applicants should thoroughly consult this manual to ensure they take the appropriate actions. Proof of domain ownership from a registry and any relevant sale/transfer documentation (if applicable) are required for domain management actions.
Once a domain is added to the application, the GCB receives an automatic notification and initiates a manual verification process. While this verification process typically takes a few days to complete, upon successful verification, the Digital Seal can be added to the domain. Domains associated with the applicant company but not included under the governance of the Master License(s) listed on the application can still be linked to that application (displaying an Orange Digital Seal). It's important to remember that such domains will not fall under the responsibility of the Master Licensor.
The reopening of the GCB online portal signifies a renewed focus on processing license applications. The outlined changes aim to streamline the application process for new applicants while providing important information for existing licensees, particularly concerning Master License expiry and temporary Certificates of Operation.
