The Curaçao government is adjusting the Gaming Regulation to accommodate small lottery operators

WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government has introduced changes to the Gaming Regulation (LOK), aimed at simplifying the administrative requirements for small-scale lottery operators. These adjustments are aimed at operators offering low-stakes lotteries by allowing them to maintain data appropriate to the scope of their activities, a government statement said.

In response to a request from the PNP faction during a session of the Central Committee on May 8, 2024, the government considered creating a threshold that would reduce the administrative burden on small non-profit organizations organizing small gambling events. Examples of these games include “Bon Kuneand other lotteries without cash prizes, which generally do not require a gaming license but require four weeks’ notice. The government has clarified that, while transparency remains crucial, the new regulation aims to reduce record-keeping requirements to match the scale and scope of each game nature.

The LOK revisions address compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) laws, with a focus on balancing regulatory transparency with practical implementation. Smaller lotteries with limited prizes can now maintain records more easily, while larger events must maintain detailed financial reports to ensure accountability. The Curaçao Gaming Authority, which will soon replace the Gaming Control Board, will establish specific guidelines to implement these changes.

The amendment underlines the government’s commitment to preventing money laundering and terrorist financing while ensuring that small gambling events are not overburdened by compliance measures. This approach aims to achieve both financial transparency and ease of implementation for community lotteries and nonprofit organizers.