Curaçao Gaming Control Board Application and Submission Guidelines
Application Submission Guidelines
- Application Submission
- Corporate Disclosure Form
- Business Plan
- Online Licensing Application Form
- Domains
- Start-Ups
- Sublicensee Additional Disclosure
- Game Certification
- Personal History Disclosure Form
- Who Needs to Submit a Personal History Disclosure
- Critical Documents Uploaded
- Communications
- Application Submitted
- Changes to the Application
- Domain Changes
- Key Events
- Decision Period
1. Application Submission
The Gaming Control Board (the “GCB”) has noticed a range of quality in the applications submitted. Some do not meet the required standards, resulting in processing delays due to the need for additional information, amendments, or corrections. It is important that applicants ensure their submissions are complete and of satisfactory quality from the outset.
Applicants must fully complete three core forms and upload all required enclosures. The documentation will be evaluated individually and collectively, ensuring consistency. Anomalies or inconsistencies may delay or negatively impact the application.
The three core forms are:
- Online Licensing Application Form (relating to the applicant’s intended business)
- Personal History Disclosure Form (relating to the UBOs and key individuals within the organization)
- Corporate Disclosure Form (relating to funding, business structures, ownership, finances, and projections)
In addition to these forms, applicants must provide all additional documentation and information as prompted by the forms. Incomplete or placeholder documents will not be accepted as part of a valid license application.
Applicants may apply for one or more licenses based on how they wish to organize their operations. Each license has its own fees and must reflect the business operations governed by that particular license.
2. Corporate Disclosure Form
Applicants must be a Curaçao-registered entity, and the entire group structure must be disclosed. This includes information on UBOs, directors, and entities with a qualifying interest, regardless of their residency. Specifics must be provided for UBOs with a shareholding of 10% or more, especially if they are listed companies, private equity, or hedge funds.
3. Business Plan
Applicants must submit a single, comprehensive business plan that covers their entire operation. Start-ups must disclose financial projections, marketing expenses, commissions, and any loans or benefits from third-party providers. The business plan should address:
- Realistic projections supported by thorough information.
- Funding in line with P&L forecasts for three years.
- Narrative on past performance (for existing businesses).
- Risk rationale for existing and target markets.
- Experience and knowledge of senior management.
- B2B2C and white-label agreements, including contractual responsibilities.
- Heavy reliance on third-party providers (if applicable).
- Platform, payment gateways, and game suppliers.
4. Online Licensing Application Form
Domains
Domains must be uploaded without prefixes (e.g., “www”).
Start-Ups
Registered domains must be owned or licensed to the applicant, even if the company is not operational yet.
Sublicensee Additional Disclosure
Current sublicensees must provide information about any outstanding liabilities or disputes with players under their sublicense agreement, as well as any contractual obligations with their Master Licensors.
5. Game Certification
Games must be certified by independent, internationally reputable testing labs. Uncertified games are not allowed.
6. Personal History Disclosure Form
Who Needs to Submit a Personal History Disclosure
- Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO): Individuals holding more than 10% of shares or control over the applicant entity.
- Key Persons: Individuals significantly involved in the company's management and operations.
Corporate service providers acting as directors must also submit relevant disclosures.
7. Critical Documents Uploaded
Documents such as birth certificates and police conduct reports must be current (within six months). If not available at the time of submission, proof of attempts to obtain them must be provided. Disclosure of any negative police report content is required.
Source of wealth and source of funds must be detailed to demonstrate the funding and financial projections of the business.
8. Communications
All communications must be made via the Ticketing System on the portal or through the official GCB email: egl-applications@gcb.cw.
9. Application Submitted
A unique application number will be issued once the application process begins. This number must be used in all correspondence.
10. Changes to the Application
Applicants must notify the GCB if there are changes after submission by submitting a ticket or email request. The GCB will provide instructions on how to update the application.
Domain Changes
Newly acquired domains must be uploaded on the portal. The applicant must provide proof of ownership or control.
11. Key Events
Key Events that may require a new application include:
- Changes to UBOs, Qualifying Interests, or Key Persons.
- Criminal charges or regulatory censure.
- Inability to pay debts.
- Significant changes to the business plan.
12. Decision Period
The GCB aims to render a decision within two months of submission, though this period may extend due to the volume or complexity of applications. The GCB will provide regular updates on the status of the application.
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