The Caribbean Island Curacao has been planning to change its gambling regulations for some time. However, not much has happened about it. It has now been announced that the reform of the gambling regulations will now be delayed. But why does Curacao want to change its comparatively lax gambling regulations? Without outside pressure this would probably not have happened.

In November 2020 we had already reported about the planned gambling reform in Curacao. As background: The Caribbean Island is a politically independent country forming part of the Netherlands. During the Corona crisis the Netherlands promised to give financial help in the form of the so-called “Landspakket Curacao”. However, this help came with conditions. Among other things, the Netherlands requested that Curacao restructures its gambling regulations. The lax gambling regulations on the Caribbean Island had long been a thorn in the eye for the Netherlands. It has now been announced that the reform of the gambling regulations will now be postponed once again.

Gambling business in Curacao: requested to adapt to EU standards

The Netherlands have demanded that Curacao’s new gambling regulations follow EU standards. For example, the licence holders should be monitored more. Besides this, in the future the prices for gambling licences should increase. 

An important request is that in the future the online casinos with a licence from Curacao should not selectively target customers in the EU market. Till now the players from the EU countries have been an important source of revenue for online casinos with a Curacao licence.

Delayed for an indefinite period

Just a few months ago the Dutch government had announced that a first bill will be presented in February of this year. At that time those responsible had however already pointed out that this schedule could be delayed. In fact, this is now the case.

This means that the first bill will not even be ready by the first quarter of this year. The relevant “implementation agenda for the country package Curacao” states:

“a date when these drafts will be published will be based on the updated schedule of the Finance Ministry.”

Gambling sector an important source of income for Curacao

It is no secret that for several years the gambling market has been a lucrative source of income for the small Caribbean Island. Many online casinos, especially those from German speaking countries, have in the past, advertised with a “Curacao Licence”. Money in insignificant amounts were being channelled into the coffers of Curacao. And this, even though the Caribbean Island has a population of 150,000 inhabitants.

The island of Curacao is just 444 sq.km and Wilhelmstad is the Capital of the Caribbean Island. Curacao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. However, the Caribbean island does not form part of the Schengen Area or belong to the European Union.

Conclusion

The amendments to the Gambling regulations of the Caribbean Island of Curacao will most likely be delayed. Till now there is not even a fixed date when the amendment bill will be published. It is to be expected that the government in Curacao has no real interest to reform the gambling legislations. The Dutch must increase the pressure and start the ball rolling in Curacao so that the gambling regulations are amended to follow EU standards.

Image source: https://pixabay.com/de/photos/Curacao-willemstad-bunt-häuser-398891/

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