Curaçao renews licenses, New Zealand opens its market, Japan and the Philippines tighten laws
Curaçao extends temporary licenses, giving operators more time to adapt. New Zealand is starting its license system from scratch, while Japan and the Philippines are tightening regulations with bans on advertising and offshore sites.
Curaçao announces renewal of temporary gambling licenses
The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has announced the extension of temporary licenses for another six months. This means that certain operators will retain the ability to continue their operations until at least December 24, 2025, despite the transition to the new licensing system in December, which will no longer permit the use of legacy licenses.
Initially, temporary licenses issued under the new National Gambling Ordinance (LOK) were set to expire on June 24, 2025. The CGA will now grant an additional six-month extension for certain operators.
The extension applies to both B2C and B2B licenses. All eligible operators are required to obtain renewed provisional licenses no later than June 27, 2025.
According to the CGA, the measure aims to provide operators with additional time to fully comply with the new legal requirements. If they meet all the necessary conditions, they will be able to apply for a full license once the extended period is over.
New Zealand launches licensing system for online casino operators
The Department of Home Affairs is encouraging operators interested in entering the New Zealand market to register at www.dia.govt.nz/OGI. According to Trina Lowry, director of the Online Gambling Enforcement Program, this is the first and most important step.
The initiative's objective is to establish a regulated framework that prioritizes player safety, game integrity, and stringent government oversight.
Licenses are planned to be issued on a competitive basis. Potential participants must meet strict regulatory requirements. The objective is to establish comprehensive regulatory frameworks that will ensure fair and responsible operations for online casinos targeting New Zealand users.
Lowry also noted that online gambling is already present in the lives of New Zealanders, but it is currently done through offshore platforms outside of government control. The new system will empower authorities to regulate the market, safeguard players, and mitigate potential risks.
Currently, online casino advertising is prohibited by the Gambling Act 2003. However, the government is planning to modify the legislation to allow licensed operators to promote their services in New Zealand.
Japan’s parliament has approved a ban on online casino advertising
The plenary session of the House of Councillors approved the bill amending the law on countering gambling addiction. The House of Representatives, the lower house, expressed its support for the initiative earlier this month.
The document explicitly prohibits the distribution of advertising and any information encouraging Japanese citizens to visit online casino sites. It also obliges federal and regional authorities to inform the public that participation in gambling is illegal.
The new law will be officially published by the end of the month and will take effect three months after promulgation.
According to the amendments, it is illegal to create and operate online casino sites and applications in Japan.
Philippine Senate approves ban on offshore POGOs
The Philippine Senate passed Bill 2868, also known as the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, in its third and final reading. This bill imposes a comprehensive ban on the operations of Philippine offshore gambling operators (POGOs). The document repeals the provisions of Republic Act 11590, which previously legalized the sector.
According to the initiative's author, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the law aims to permanently eliminate the remaining POGOs and enshrine a ban on offshore gambling.
The law stipulates the compulsory confiscation of all facilities, equipment, and proceeds related to POGO activities to prevent further utilization. The registration of companies involved in this field, the rental of real estate and technical facilities, and any assistance to persons involved in POGO activities using false documents are strictly prohibited.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and other regulatory agencies have been stripped of their authority to issue licenses to offshore operators.
Violations of these regulations are subject to penalties including up to 12 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to 50 million Philippine pesos (approximately $896,000). The law stipulates severe penalties for government officials found to be in violation of these provisions. Individuals found guilty of these offenses will be deported and permanently barred from entering the country.
