Established in the 1990s, the Curacao Gambling Control Board's history traces back to when the Curacao government initiated the world’s first online gambling law and began distributing licenses gaming licenses to online gambling providers. The simplicity and speed of the licensing process, along with lower initial capital requirements and some of the world’s lowest tax rates, made Curacao a popular choice among online gambling establishments.
In the 2000s, the commission received criticism for its lax oversight compared to regulatory bodies like the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. In response, Curacao has been working to address issues related to player rights, fraud prevention, and the security of games.
Recent Changes from the Curacao Gambling Control Board
In 2023, substantial changes were introduced to Curacao's online gambling licensing framework through the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK). In light of this, the Curacao GCB has begun to enforce new protocols to create a clearer and safer gaming environment for players. Some primary updates affecting Curacao-licensed online casinos include:
- Creation of a Central Authority. The Curacao Gaming Authority has been established as a new supervisory body to manage the issuance, suspension, and revocation of licenses while enforcing responsible gambling standards under the LOK framework.
- Abolition of the Master and Sub-master licensing system. Previously, a master license, valid for five years from the Ministry of Justice of Curacao, allowed for the issuance of sub-licenses. This structure has been done away with, eliminating both master and sub-licensure.
- Launch of a New Licensing Framework in Curacao. The updated licensing system introduces two distinct types of licenses: B2C (Business-to-Consumer) for operators delivering gambling services to players, and B2B (Business-to-Business) for providers of games, payment processors, and other related services. Each of these licenses is valid for one year.
- Tighter Regulations for Operators. To obtain a license, operators must establish a registered company in Curacao, set up a local office, demonstrate financial security, and adhere to stricter regulatory standards. Moreover, licensing fees and annual charges have increased.
- Implementation of Rigorous Responsible Gambling Regulations. The GCB has enacted measures to promote responsible gambling practices, such as self-exclusion and deposit caps. Curacao online casinos now must also impose restrictions on players' gaming duration and spending.
Latest Casino Reviews
Stay updated with recent player feedback; each user can score and comment on any casino from our list.
Catherine Stone
8.0
I really appreciate the 5% bonus for crypto deposits, which comes with no wagering demands! I’ve been using Bitcoin for my transactions, and this bonus adds value over time.
Samantha Ward
6.0
While the gamification aspects are intriguing, I feel they don't fully compensate for other shortcomings. The VIP program appears decent, but real benefits take some time to materialize.
Rebecca Adams
8.0
I've been a player since the casino launched and have been pleasantly surprised. The welcome bonus split across four deposits is a clever idea, and the wagering requirements are reasonable at 20x. Customer support is commendable—help was available via live chat within 5 minutes, even before I signed up. The only downside is the lack of clarity on VIP advancement, but overall, it's been a fantastic experience.
Mark Stevens
8.0
The VIP cashback feature is excellent! After several months of gaming here, the weekly 20% cashback is a great help during tough times. I received my Interac withdrawal in mere minutes.
Marcus Oliver
9.0
A vast selection of games awaits, and the Android application operates seamlessly! The 120% welcome bonus for deposits made within the first hour adds an appealing incentive.
Steve Thunder
8.0
I'm really enjoying my time at this casino. There always seems to be some sort of reload bonus available throughout the week, keeping me engaged and coming back for more.
Tournament_Player
8.0
Regular tournaments with attractive prize pools add excitement, and the VIP coins that players earn can be redeemed for bonuses.
Steven
6.0
It’s a good casino with a solid variety of games. The blockchain component is intriguing, but I’m unsure if it offers real value to casual players like myself.
Joe Martinez
6.0
It’s a decent option for those who prefer cryptocurrencies. However, the 16-level VIP program seems overly complicated and requires too much time to progress.