Giving Up a Licence Does Not Erase Debts: Curaçao Sets New Rules for Operators Exiting the Market

The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has introduced a new procedure for licensed operators and service providers winding down their activities.

The guidelines apply to companies that voluntarily surrender their licences, have them revoked by the regulator or shut down individual websites. In each case, the business must complete a controlled wind-down process.

Under the new requirements, companies must:

• meet their obligations to players, including the payment of outstanding balances;
• stop registering new customers and accepting bets;
• submit a final wind-down report to the regulator;
• settle any debts owed to the CGA and the Curaçao government;
• stop displaying the CGA mark.*

The regulator stressed that ending gambling operations does not amount to liquidating the company. Even after completing the required procedure, the business remains liable for its civil obligations.

Operators voluntarily surrendering their licences must notify the CGA, explain the reasons for their decision, specify when they will stop accepting new customers and bets, and submit a final report once the wind-down is complete.

Companies whose licence renewal applications are rejected will have six weeks to cease operations. Licence fees already paid will not be refunded.

* The CGA mark is a symbol displayed on a website or in an app confirming that the company operates under a licence issued by the Curaçao regulator.