Regulator: Gaming Control Board Suriname

The Gaming Control Board Suriname (GCBS) is Suriname's public body that oversees and controls gambling in the country. Its powers are enshrined in a special law on the supervision of games (Wet Toezicht en Controle Kansspelen, S.B. 2009 No. 78) and subsequent amendments, as well as in the updated Wet Hazardspelen (S.B. 2023 No. 135), which defines the basic rules for the operation of gambling and strengthens enforcement.

Legal basis and place of the regulator in the system

Establishment and mandate. Wet Toezicht en Controle Kansspelen 2009 established the "Institute for the Supervision and Control of Games" - GCBS - with the task of controlling the entire gambling sphere, including compliance with the conditions of permits and rules. This basic act was updated in September 2023 (Staatsblad 2023 No. 134).

Competencies under other laws. Official government reports explicitly confirm that GCBS is authorized to monitor compliance with the conditions of permits in accordance with relevant laws, including the Lottery Law 1939.

Basic operating rules. The updated Wet Hazardspelen (S.B. 2023 No. 135) synchronized criminal procedure and tax standards, established requirements for the location and format of the casino, and also clarified prohibitions and exceptions (including on online activity).

What exactly GCBS is doing

1. Market surveillance and control. The regulator conducts inspections of licensed facilities (casinos, gaming halls, lottery operators), monitors compliance with the conditions of permits and applies measures of influence in case of violations. Foundation - Wet Toezicht en Controle Kansspelen and related acts.

2. Application of the updated standards of 2023. After the reforms of 2023, the law enforcement part became tougher: procedures for the seizure and fixation of violations were expanded, sanctions were coordinated with criminal and procedural legislation.

3. Lotteries and "cross" supervision. GCBS monitors the fulfillment of the conditions of permits and through lotteries (historical law 1939), which is separately reported by the government.

4. AML/CFT supervision (together with financial authorities). According to the IMF, the Central Bank of Suriname and GCBS are building a risk-based approach to supervision, relying on the new AML/CFT framework, the law adopted in 2022 and subsequent methodological assistance.

Licensing and access conditions

Permissive mode. Gambling is permitted only on the basis of a valid permit/license. Violation is the subject of sanctions under Wet Hazardspelen and related standards.

Casino site requirements. In the new edition of Wet Hazardspelen, it is recorded that casinos are tied to hotels of a certain level (for example, at least 3), which reflects the course towards a tourist and hotel bundle.

Online segment. The rules for online casinos are formulated restrictively: without a special permit, activities are prohibited, regardless of the country of "exploitation." Any plans for an online product require verification by GCBS based on existing official clarifications.

Surveillance Tools and Market Interactions

Inspections and sanctions. Checks for compliance with the license, access conditions, operating time, etc.; based on the results - prescriptions, fines, possible suspensions. Legal pillar - 2023 updates.

Registries and public communications. Government publications and GCBS pages inform about statuses and competencies, which helps market participants verify compliance with the current regime.

AML/CFT coordination. Interaction with the Central Bank and other authorities regarding customer identification, suspicious transaction reporting and risk-based supervision.

How Companies Meet GCBS Requirements: A Short Checklist

1. Check the legal outline. Ensure that the activity falls under the current permits/categories and complies with Wet Toezicht en Controle Kansspelen (as amended 2023) and Wet Hazardspelen 2023.

2. Site and format binding. For casinos - compliance with accommodation requirements (at a hotel of a certain category, etc.).

3. AML/CFT policies. Build KYC, transaction monitoring and risk-based reporting in coordination with the expectations of GCBS and the Central Bank.

4. Lottery segment. If the activity concerns lotteries, check the conditions of permits and control by GCBS in conjunction with the 1939 law.

5. Online activities. Any online products - only after legal clearing and confirmation of admissibility in the mode recognized by GCBS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does GCBS issue licenses or only control?

The 2009 Act created an institution of supervision and control; the specific permit procedure depends on the bundle of laws (Wet Toezicht en Controle Kansspelen, Wet Hazardspelen, lottery regulation). In any case, the exploitation of games without legal grounds is prohibited.

What is the status of online casinos?

Without a special permit, the operation of online casinos is prohibited, regardless of the "country of license." Check up-to-date clarifications before any start-up/integration.

Are there separate requirements for placing a casino?

Yes, Wet Hazardspelen 2023 connects casinos with hotels not lower than the established category (for example, 3).

How does GCBS work with AML/CFT?

Together with the financial authorities (including the Central Bank), risk-oriented supervision is built; The IMF describes this process in technical assistance materials.

Gaming Control Board Suriname is the central player of gambling compliance in the country: it provides control over compliance with licenses and rules, coordinates the AML/CFT approach with financial authorities and implements a strengthened enforcement block of the 2023 reform. For sustainable operation in the market, it is critical for operators to correlate the product (from land-based casinos to possible online initiatives) with the current Wet Toezicht en Controle Kansspelen and Wet Hazardspelen standards, as well as GCBS inspection and sanctions practices.