Curaçao’s Minister of Finance, Javier Silvania, defended the decision to provide Rhino Entertainment Group with the region’s first direct license amid LOK-related concerns. Some critiqued the licensing of the company as it precedes the formalization of the territory’s new gambling laws.

For reference, Curaçao is currently discussing the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK), a measure that seeks to improve the gambling industry’s standards through direct licensing and better regulation.

While proponents of the measure have highlighted its benefits, opponents are skeptical of certain points. The Dutch government is also conducting an investigation to see if the LOK complies with an earlier deal.

Because of criticism from parliament members, the Curaçao Bar Association and the Advisory Council behind the legislation, the measure is currently being amended. Silvania himself confirmed that the objections of parliament members have been taken into mind and that the LOK will be adjusted where needed.

As a result, Curaçao MP Steven Croes questioned whether the government should have issued the first direct license before the passage of the new law. He also asked for a copy of the license but couldn’t obtain it because of the sensitive information it contained.

Silvania Says the New License Falls Under the LBH

Despite the criticisms, Silvania stood firm by the ministry’s decision to grant the license, pointing out that it falls under the 1993 Offshore Gambling Ordinance (LBH). The Minister of Finance added that the latter law remains fully applicable unless it is repealed by the national ordinance.

Silvania said that the LOK would provide Curaçao with direct control over the issuing of licenses, allowing the territory to exercise direct supervision. This would allow the Gambling Control Board to carry out the necessary checks and prevent gambling-related fraud.

The LOK, Silvania argues, would increase confidence in Curaçao’s gambling industry by reducing the risks of criminal practices.

For reference, Curaçao previously issued licenses to six master license holders, who would then issue sub-licenses to other companies. However, sub-licensees were impossible to properly regulate. Furthermore, the previous law itself is short, not sufficiently clear and outdated, highlighting the need for a new licensing framework.

Despite that, the future of the LOK remains murky.

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The Malta-based, fast-growing online gaming operator employing a multi-brand strategy and managing four brands in reputable markets, Rhino Entertainment Group, has become the first operator to obtain a direct license from the Curacao Gaming Control Board (CGCB).

According to IGB and EGR Global, the operator that won the Employer of the Year title at the iGaming Idol Awards in Malta on November 30, 2023, has attained the license via White Star BV for its CasinoDays brand, marking a historical moment for the new regulatory regime in the Caribbean island. 

The License Is a “Thrilling Endorsement” of Rhino’s Excellence 

Rhino Entertainment has become the first operator to score a license following the grand opening of the CGCB application portal in September. Operators were allowed to register starting in November.

The certification also comes at a time when Curacao is busy bringing forward its new National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) framework signaling a departure from the Master/Sub-License structure. 

Rhino Entertainment Group’s chief executive officer, Ross Parkhill, spoke about the “privilege” of being the first gaming operator to obtain the direct license, calling it “a thrilling endorsement” of their commitment to responsible gambling and excellence.

He also expressed their full support for Curacao’s boosted regulatory processes while recognizing the “added value and prestige” it would bring to their license.

Finally, Parkhill said they were looking forward to “fostering an open and communicative relationship” with the CGCB while creating a bright and compliant future for the online gaming industry. 

2024, a “Transformative” Period for Curacao

CGCB’s managing director, Cedric Pietersz, spoke about 2024 as a “transformative” time for Curacao while mentioning operators’ strong desire to secure new licenses, as noticed in the past three months since Curacao’s gaming industry supervisor started receiving applications. 

Pietersz explained that White Star’s licensure “holds a special place” in both their hearts and history marking a crucial moment for the island’s growth into a premium gambling jurisdiction with many upcoming licenses on the horizon.

The CGCB also announced it had issued three digital seals for Geeka Corporation NV, Games & More BV, and Small House BV. This would enable the recipients to showcase seals of approval from the regulator on their platforms once they would agree with the regulator’s terms.

In January, Curacao’s Independent Advisory Body raised a series of concerns regarding the text of the LOK and its compliance with the Financial Action Task Force’s anti-money laundering requirements.

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