Latin America
Brace Yourselves: Curaçao’s New Gambling Law Is at the Door!
Curaçao is approaching the finishing line of their online gambling reform, with the new law being sent to the parliament earlier this week. Markus Björk at Slotsoo has been in touch with both the Ministry of Finance and several Curaçao operators to find out how they feel about this big change. Do European license providers have a reason to feel threatened by Curaçao casinos 2.0?
LOK Now Just Waiting for Parliament Approval
On December 19th, Curaçao’s Ministry of Finance informed that the new law has been officially submitted to the parliament. The National Ordinance for Games of Chance, commonly referred to as LOK (Landsverordening op de kansspelen), is expected to come into effect in the first half of 2024.
Finance Minister Javier Silvania, the front figure of the reform, shares his excitement about this historical moment:
“We are very happy to reach this final stage. The submission of the LOK to Parliament is not just a procedural step, but a leap towards transformative progress.”
No More Master Licenses or Middle Men
The current setup of the Curaçao casino license is very unique, with four master license holders being in charge of giving licenses to individual casino operators and ensuring their compliance to the regulations.
This has resulted in big quality differences, and if you were to ask ten EU players how they feel about Curaçao casinos you would get very varied replies. Another critique with the current system is that most of the financial gain goes to the four master license holders, while the island of Curaçao is left with light pockets.
LOK will put an end to master licenses and middle men and require all licenses to be applied directly from Curaçao’s Gaming Control Board. This means more uniformed quality and better control. The new law will also require gambling companies to have physical presence on the island, creating new job opportunities for the locals.
The Curaçao casinos we interviewed all welcome the new setup. Spinwise (Tsars Casino) sees some hurdles, but says it will be worth it in the long run:
“The prohibition of sublicensing by master licensees introduces a new financial dynamic for individual companies, albeit with associated fees. While adaptation to the new framework may pose short-term challenges, the long-term benefits are expected to outweigh these initial obstacles.”
The Curaçao License Will Remain Tax Free
1. No tax on winnings
2. No restrictions on player nationality
3. Strong regulatory framework
Keeping the Balance Is Crucial for Success
Finance Minister Javier Silvania shares that they had a very inclusive approach when drafting the new law. They consulted all the stakeholders to make sure LOK will consider different perspectives and not just serve one group. The country of Curaçao, its citizens, the gambling industry, and the players should all benefit from the reform.
Many license jurisdictions that go through a re-regulation fall into the trap of legislating too much, without the government listening to the industry or the players enough. This leads to fewer license holders and lower channelization rates, as both the operators and the players search for more attractive solutions from other countries.
We wish Curaçao good luck with their new start in 2024!
Win Systems, a leading provider of technology for the gaming and entertainment industry, successfully concluded its exclusive showroom event on May 28 and 29 at its offices in Lima, Peru. Over two engaging days, local operators and strategic partners had the opportunity to experience the company’s latest innovations first-hand, with special attention given to the new Gold Club Colors, an innovative evolution of its renowned electronic roulette.
The experience was highly praised by attendees, who interacted directly with the Gold Club Colors and witnessed its advanced aesthetic and functional customization features. This version allows key components such as LED lighting, armrests, cilinder, and game layout to be tailored to the visual identity of each casino, enhancing both the venue’s atmosphere and the overall player experience. Also drawing strong interest was the dynamic paytable, which adjusts rewards based on the flow of each game session.
“This event was truly special for us. Beyond showcasing our products, we wanted to create a space to connect, share ideas, and listen to the local market’s needs firsthand. The response was fantastic and encourages us to continue strengthening our presence in Peru,” said Galy Olazo, Country Manager for Win Systems in Peru.
The showroom not only demonstrated one of the most advanced electronic roulettes on the market in action but also reaffirmed Win Systems’ commitment to ongoing innovation and close collaboration with its clients and strategic partners.
Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, is ready for its latest appearance at the Peru Gaming Show, where it will unveil its latest slot design developments for the Latin American market and beyond.
Belatra will be based at Stand 43 over the two-day event in Lima, giving visitors an exclusive behind-the-curtain look at its latest slot releases, as well as a chance to explore the company’s expanding portfolio of successful, market-ready solutions. Belatra will also run a special competition, offering guests the chance to get their hands on a mystery box bursting with prizes.
In addition to enjoying Belatra’s titles, guests will be able to sample several cocktails inspired by ancient Incan recipes. The bespoke bar is designed as a hidden tomb brimming with treasure, bringing a bold energy and a fun atmosphere to the stand.
Renowned for its engaging gameplay mechanics with attractive creative concepts, Belatra’s studio excels in producing games that connect with diverse player audiences across Latin America. Visitors to the Jockey Exhibition Center, Lima, will be able to experience both fan-favourite titles and brand-new innovations firsthand, while connecting with the Belatra team to explore business opportunities and partnership potential.
Belatra invites all attendees to visit Stand 43 and join the conversation on redefining the future of iGaming in Latin America.
Andrés Troelsen, Belatra Games’ Commercial Director for Latin America, said: “I cannot wait to be back at the Peru Gaming Show as it’s one of the biggest on the LatAm events roadshow. Being in Lima allows us to showcase our next generation of content and connect with current and prospective partners.”
Zitro has installed its revolutionary CONCEPT cabinets at the Casino La Cima in Mérida, Yucatán.
The CONCEPT cabinets feature the Magic Lighting system, which syncs lights and sound with gameplay for a fully immersive experience, and the largest Screen Deck button panel on the market, offering unmatched comfort and ease of use for players and operators.
This launch is backed by some of Zitro’s most successful titles — Fortune Legacy, Legendary Sword, and King Fu Frog — all proven crowd favorites known for their engaging mechanics and strong performance.
A representative from Grupo Same said: “Our collaboration with Zitro and the introduction of the CONCEPT cabinets have far exceeded expectations. Players love the new experience, and the casino floor has never looked better. This addition strengthens our position as a top entertainment destination in Mérida and helps us continue delivering standout gaming experiences.”
Zitro founder Johnny Ortiz Viveiros said: “We’re thrilled to expand our presence in Yucatán alongside Casino La Cima. The positive reception of CONCEPT and our latest titles clearly reflects the strength of our offering. We’re grateful for the trust Grupo Same has placed in us and excited for what’s ahead.”
-
Industry News6 days agoSharpLink Gaming Announces $425,000,000 Private Placement to Initiate Ethereum Treasury Strategy
-
eSports6 days agoEmmy-Winning Director R.J. Cutler’s Docuseries Esports World Cup: Level Up Premieres June 6 on Prime Video
-
Latest News6 days agoCentury Casinos Announces Sports Betting Partnership with BetMGM in Missouri
-
Latest News7 days agoBelatra amplifies Argentine presence through partnership with Sportsbet
-
Canada6 days agoIAGR announces program for IAGR2025 conference in Toronto
-
Latest News6 days agoWin Systems will showcase its latest innovations at an exclusive showroom in Peru
-
Latest News6 days agoAviatrix now live with Vibra Solutions
-
Latest News5 days agoJCM Global Transforms Chinook Winds Casino Resort’s Casino Floor with Towering Digital Signage at High Limit Area