The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) is set to announce its decision regarding the license of BC.Game on Friday, December 6, according to Next.io. This pivotal determination will impact the operations of the crypto-focused gaming platform, currently sponsoring Premier League club Leicester City FC. The decision could potentially strip the operator of its Curaçao license, significantly influencing its ability to operate and secure financing.
The GCB’s move to consider revocation follows escalating concerns surrounding BC.Game, including the platform’s bankruptcy declaration on November 12 by the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the BES Islands. The bankruptcy ruling stemmed from unpaid claims brought forward by the Foundation for the Representation of Victims of Online Gaming (SBGOK).
The court found that BC.Game had violated licensing conditions, notably failing to maintain a local bank account in good standing and neglecting to settle a €5 million penalty imposed by the Spanish government in 2022. Despite arguments from BC.Game that its parent company, Small House BV, had acquired assets from its predecessor Blockdance BV without assuming its liabilities, the court rejected this defense, proceeding to declare the company bankrupt.
In response, BC.Game’s management stated: “We strongly disagree with the court’s recent rulings and will vigorously appeal the decision, as we believe it failed to adequately consider key facts.”
The company reiterated its commitment to compliance, user trust, and maintaining operations while exploring legal options to safeguard its future.
Plans for a Vanuatu Licence Amid Controversy
With the potential loss of its Curaçao license looming, BC.Game has reportedly initiated an application for a gaming license in Vanuatu. Known for pioneering offshore online gaming permits in the 1990s, Vanuatu may offer a new base of operations for the embattled operator.
The timing of this move coincides with the GCB issuing a letter of intent to revoke BC.Game’s license, providing the company with a chance to present its case on November 29. While the GCB’s final ruling is pending, industry observers are keenly watching how this development might shape the broader regulatory landscape.
Sponsorships and Regulatory Challenges
BC.Game’s sponsorship of Leicester City FC has also come under scrutiny, particularly following the closure of its UK-facing website. This site, previously operated under a white-label license through TGP Europe, was shuttered last week, raising questions about compliance with UK advertising regulations. Leicester City FC, however, has expressed continued support for its sponsor, stating it was assured that the proceedings were “administrative in nature” and that BC.Game had the resources to fulfill its obligations.
Allegations of Irregularities in Licensing
BC.Game has been implicated in broader accusations of regulatory inconsistencies in Curaçao. Opposition politician Dr. Luigi Faneyte has been a vocal critic, submitting a criminal complaint alleging improper practices in the provisional licensing process under Curaçao’s interim framework. Faneyte’s investigation also pointed to connections between regulatory reforms and BC.Game’s operations.
Faneyte has since launched LOKinvestigation.com, a platform dedicated to documenting developments in the case. In a press release, Faneyte announced plans to involve Maltese authorities as part of a broader investigation into the licensing system.
In response to these allegations, the GCB issued a strong denial, defending its regulatory framework as legally sound. The board maintained that the licensing process adhered to existing laws and dismissed claims of impropriety.
