Curacao's new regulatory measures modernize its gaming system
Curacao published new regulatory measures that strengthen the supervision of online and land-based gambling. The updates include mandatory ADR, strict deadlines for complaints, greater control over ownership changes, and new governance rules. The regulatory package marks a key step towards the modernization planned by the future LOK Law.
The Government of Curacao announced a series of regulatory updates that reinforce the modernization process of the gambling sector, both online and land-based. The measures were published in the latest edition of the Official Gazette by the Ministry of Justice, headed by Minister Shalten Hato, and are part of the transition program towards the new legal framework provided by the LOK Law, the structural reform that will redefine gambling supervision on the island.
The new provisions include stricter requirements for operators, strengthened player protection mechanisms, and increased requirements regarding corporate governance and ownership changes. The Government's intention is to ensure a more transparent system aligned with international standards.
Main announced measures
1. Mandatory implementation of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) regime
The regulation establishes that all operators must use ADR bodies approved by the Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA). Among the new requirements are:
- Full responsibility of operators regarding the cost of the process.
- Defined standards of quality, transparency, and reporting.
- Clear escalation routes for players.
2. Strengthening the complaint system and player protection
Deadlines and strict rules are introduced to manage claims:
- Complaints related to Responsible Gambling must receive priority treatment within a maximum of five business days.
- General disputes must be resolved within a maximum period of four weeks.
- Operators must expressly inform all users of ADR options.
- The use of automated processes is prohibited for complex cases or those linked to risk behaviors.
3. Greater supervision over ownership and shareholding changes
From now on, any modification in the ownership structure will require prior approval from the CGA. Operators must submit:
- Drafts of share transfer contracts.
- Updated corporate records.
- Reviewed organizational charts.
- Source of Wealth (SoW) verification.
- Criminal background certificates of those acquiring shares.
4. Legal and institutional governance updates
The bulletin also includes various administrative provisions, among them:
- New governance rules for the Joint Court of Justice.
- Formal procedures for notifications, summons, and executive communications.
- Registration of corporate dissolutions before the Chamber of Commerce.
- Guardianships ordered by judicial means.
- Publication of complementary ministerial provisions, such as the annual update of child support indexation for 2026 (1.2%).
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