Curacao Gaming License - Best Curaçao Casinos 2024
Peter Schmidt| Curaçao License Details | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Supervisory authority | Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB) |
| Address | Emancipatie Boulevard Dominico F. "Don" Martina 23 Willemstad, Curaçao |
| Established | April 19, 1999 |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone number | +(599 9) 737-2299 |
| Website | gamingcontrolcuracao.org |
| Best casino | Stake Casino |
If you've been gambling online at any point over the last few years, and checked the casino's licensing (which you absolutely should be doing!), you'll more times than not see that it's from Curacao.
Or at least feel that way since so many of the top operators choose it.
While we've all come to learn that Curacao is one of the top eGaming regulators, this position and prevalence wasn't so clear from day one - as what do online gambling and a small Caribbean Island have in common?
A lot it turns out, with stability, time-proven reliability and the ability to successfully keep up with the times; from land-based casino licensing where it began, through to becoming the choice regulator of some of the best iGaming brands.
Best Curacao Licensed Online Casinos 2024 – List of Licensees
  
  |
|---|
 | 96% Excellent | $500 | visit StakeRead Review | |
 | 95% Excellent | $4,500+ 350 Free Spins | visit 24CasinoRead Review | |
 | 95% Excellent | 5 BTC / $1,000 + 200 Free Spins | visit Cloudbet CasinoRead Review | |
 | 94% Outstanding | $1,000 + 100 Free Spins | visit InstaspinRead Review | |
 | 94% Outstanding | Virtually unlimited | visit BC.Game CasinoRead Review | |
 | 94% Outstanding | C$ 4500+ 300 Free Spins | visit Let's LuckyRead Review | |
 | 94% Outstanding | $5,000+ 150 Free Spins | visit Bizzo CasinoRead Review | |
 | 94% Outstanding | $1,500 + 500 Free Spins | visit PlayZillaRead Review | |
 | 94% Outstanding | $10,000 + 450 Free Spins | visit Lucky CircusRead Review | |
 | 94% Outstanding | $1,500+ 100 Free Spins | visit Lucky DaysRead Review | |
 | 94% Outstanding | $1,500 | visit BookofCasinoRead Review | |
 | 94% Outstanding | C$2,500+ 300 Free Spins | visit BetandplayRead Review | |
 | 94% Outstanding | $750 | visit 1Bet CasinoRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | up to $450 000+ 140 Free Spins | visit FairspinRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | $5,000 + 400 Free Spins | visit Just CasinoRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | $2,000 or 5 BTC+ 180 Free Spins | visit BitStarz CasinoRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | $8,000+ 300 Free Spins | visit LuckyWinsRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | $3000+ 200 Free Spins | visit Platin CasinoRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | $700 | visit Bitsler CasinoRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | Challenges & Bonus Battles | visit RollbitRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | $10,000 + 500 Free Spins | visit Lucky DreamsRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | $300 | visit 22BetRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | Loyalty Club | visit Bitcasino.ioRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | $300 | visit Hot.Bet CasinoRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | $500+ 100 Free Spins | visit National CasinoRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | $10,800+ 250 Free Spins | visit 7Bit CasinoRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | $1,500+ 100 Free Spins | visit SpinAwayRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | $1,500+ 200 Free Spins | visit Woo CasinoRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | 350 mBTC | visit RocketpotRead Review | |
 | 93% Outstanding | $80 in free spins | visit RoobetRead Review | |
 | 92% Outstanding | VIP program | visit DuelbitsRead Review | |
 | 92% Outstanding | $180+ 120 Free Spins | visit 20Bet CasinoRead Review | |
 | 92% Outstanding | $1500+ 150 Free Spins | visit PlayAmoRead Review | |
 | 91% Outstanding | 15% Rakeback | visit GamdomRead Review | |
 | 91% Outstanding | $6,000 + 200 Free Spins | visit Oshi CasinoRead Review | |
 | 90% Outstanding | $3,500+ 1000 Free Spins | visit BetfuryRead Review | |
 | 90% Outstanding | 4 BTC+ 325 Free Spins | visit mBit CasinoRead Review | |
 | 90% Outstanding | 6 BTC or 1200 USD+ 250 Free Spins | visit FortuneJackRead Review |
The History of the Curacao Gaming License
The history of the Curacao gaming license dates back as far as 1993 with the origination of the National Offshore Gambling Decree, followed by actual licenses initially being issued in 1996.
The Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB) itself, however, was only founded a bit later in April, 1999. It in turn was inspired by the Mutual Evaluation Report of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, just one year prior, and in essence acts on its findings.
As for how the whole project came about, like the government of Anjouan - who probably saw the Curacao example as a source of inspiration - the authorities here recognized that becoming a regulator of the gaming industry was an excellent niche they could fill, bringing jobs and income home.
Curacao is an autonomous country that is a constituent of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Located in the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela, it has a population of less than 150,000.MoreLess
While its goal was to help boost the economy and provide a steady source of income for locals, the GCB vision in how this would be done was based on providing value "by ensuring all gaming is conducted honestly, responsibly, competitively and free from criminal and corruptive elements."
A comprehensive solution to preserve public interest while maintaining its own integrity as an authority, the GCB is responsible for regulation, licensing, and enforcement, essentially offering what we'd call full cycle protection and oversight.
While the GCB originally oversaw the activities of land-based casinos, it later took on more areas of gambling including bingo, lottery games, and later, tasked by the Minister of Finance of Curacao, the online gaming sector.
The latter, while highly respected, is a work in progress, with modernisation efforts currently underway to make it more in tune with international standards and further safeguard responsible gaming in licensed jurisdictions. But until that happens it remains one of the best recognised and respected licenses in the iGaming industry.
Activities Covered by the Curacao Gaming Control Board
The Curacao Gaming Control Board plays a crucial role in the online gaming industry, across three main parameters; those being to create a fair, transparent, and secure online gaming environment.
- Provide licensing and regulatory authority - The GCB issues licenses to online gaming operators who want to conduct business in Curacao itself, or more likely remote gaming services from Curacao. It also regulates land-based casinos, bingo, national lotteries, lotteries of goods, and other games of chance.
- Ensure supervisory oversight - The board goes on to ensure compliance with Curacao's gaming laws and regulations, enforce AML/CTF regulations to prevent illicit financial activities, and promote fair gaming practices to protect consumer interests.
- Maintain industry integrity - By enforcing strict regulations to ensure the integrity of the gaming industry, the GCB protects casino players as much as Curacao's reputation as a reputable jurisdiction for online gaming.1
Strict Curacao Licensing Requirements
The application process for a Curacao license is long and involved, which ultimately is a good thing to ensure operators are committed, reliable, and a safe "bet".
In order to submit an application, the operator first has to fill in an Online Gaming Application Form (including a detailed business plan), a Personal History Disclosure Form, and a Corporate and Business Information Form.2
The licensing process
The forms can be submitted online, and overall require that the requestor provide significant background information and proof of various abilities.3 These include things like:
- Being a company registered in Curacao, with a physical presence on the island
- Sufficient financial resources to operate, and the ability to maintain a certain level of capital
- Independently tested gaming software
- The ability to manage player registration and verification
- Systems that comply with security standards
- Various player protections and a responsible gaming policy in place
In addition to providing all of the relevant information, a licensing fee must also be paid.
After being submitted, the documentation is reviewed, and approved only when all of the requirements are met. There is generally some back and forth in between, and calls may be placed. This will usually take a couple of months from start to finish, with 3-4 months considered standard.
The license once approved is valid for one year after which it needs to be renewed.
Benefits of a Curacao Gaming License
There are a number of benefits of an e-gaming license issued by the Curacao Gaming Control Board. They are mostly for the operator, though they can also have a positive impact on players.
- Strong international recognition. Curacao is a well-established jurisdiction with a long history of regulating online gaming. As such, a Curacao license is recognised and respected in many countries around the world. Players have similarly taken notice and trust its "stamp of approval" when they see it.
- Flexible regulatory framework. While strict, the regulatory framework in Curacao is relatively flexible compared to other jurisdictions, which may allow for quicker and easier licensing processes.
- Cost effective. Although not the cheapest option, it's not prohibitively expensive either. And since Curacao has no VAT and super low corporate income tax, it can be all the more attractive.
- Covers a wide range of gaming activities. A Curacao license allows operators to offer a variety of gambling products, including sports, casino, bingo, and lotteries.
- Reasonable processing time. Although it can take a few months to complete, with the right documentation submitted, the process can be expedited, and cut to as little as a single month for operators revving to get started.
- Great for crypto gambling. There are no restrictions on cryptocurrency with a Curacao operating license, making it particularly in tune with today's casino banking needs.
- Backed by reputable partners. The GCB keeps good company, partnering with the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Curaçao on anti-money laundering (AML) and the countering of terrorism financing initiatives; Fundashon pa Maneho di Adikshon for promoting responsible gaming; the National Council on Problem Gambling in efforts against gambling addiction; and the International Association of Gaming Regulators to learn from and share knowledge with their in the gaming industry.
There are, however, a few limitations, shall we say to the Curacao licensing process. For starters, from the operator's perspective, the exact licensing requirements for a Curacao gaming license can be complex and are subject to change.
Some also perceive the Curacao licensing process as less stringent compared to other jurisdictions like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commissions, though we don't really agree.
Curacao Gaming License Options for Casinos
There were originally two types of licenses issued to online gaming operators, allowing one to apply directly for a gaming license, or register as a sub licensee.
The online gaming license was and continues to be for an individual operator that wants to get a license directly from the GCB. While a sub-license was a type of license granted by amaster license holder to a third-party operator, essentially allowing the master license holder to delegate certain gaming activities to the sub-licensee under the umbrella of its master license.However, as far as we understand, this two-tier system has been abolished with the new regulatory framework in Curacao requiring all operators to obtain a direct license.
You can see if an operator is GCB certified, by the way, in its website footer, where the official license seal is displayed.
Guidelines for casino operators on how to properly display the license seal.MoreLess
Curacao B2B and B2C Licenses
Since there are different needs in the gaming market, the government of Curacao in cooperation with the Minister of Finance has created two separate types of licenses within the realm of remote gambling.
The B2B one addresses the needs of software providers, as in those who create the online slots and live casino games. While the B2C license is the one you'll see on an actual casino website, with the casino being the business serving you the customer.
How Does the Curacao License Compare to Other Gaming Certificates?
There are a number of reputable licensing bodies in the iGaming space - all of which meet our standards for being able to recommend an online casino as safe. For our purposes any of the big ones like MGA, or the UK Gambling Commission are just as good. And the differences are mostly from the operator's perspective, not really affecting you as a player. But we'll do a bit of a comparison, for interest's sake.
Curacao vs. Malta casino license
Curacao and Malta are both popular jurisdictions for online gaming licenses. And rightfully so. For you as a player in particular, you won't feel any difference, with both being reputable and safe. But there are reasons operators choose one over the other.
For the Curacao route it could simply boil down to the generally lower licensing fees and operational costs compared to Malta, a simpler application process with a faster turnaround time, and some would argue less stringent regulations compared to Malta.
These factor, however may mean that the perception of an MGA license is that of being more credible and trustworthy with stricter regulations and player protection measures. Which could be true to an extent as it's certainly recognised as one of the most reputable and respected gaming jurisdictions, especially for those in the EU.
Curacao vs. Anjouan casino license
In comparison to Anjouan licensing, Curacao is a more established jurisdiction, with a longer-standing reputation.
The Anjouan Gaming License, however, is cheaper with lower licensing fees and operational costs. Plus a quicker application and approval process. But it's still relatively new, and what would be called an emerging jurisdiction, which means it may not have the same level of recognition and trust as Curacao certification.
As such, it may face limitations in certain markets, though it's quickly gaining ground and credibility amongst operators and players.
Curacao vs. UK Gambling Commission casino license
While the GCB is respected, pretty much no one holds a candle to the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
True, the Curacao gaming license will have lower fees, faster processing, less stringent regulations, and a more lenient approach. All great for operators, and often in turn players.
But the UK being the UK is probably the most stringent in the sector. This means it's obviously considered one of the most reputable and respected gaming regulators, with very strict and specific regulations, focused very much on player protection measures.
It's also the ticket into the highly desirable (and potentially lucrative) UK market, for operators looking to gain entrance. And ensures the highest levels of fairness, safety, and security. But it's quite hard to get, costly, and takes a fair bit of time to process.
So while perhaps considered the gold standard in gambling licensing, it is not necessarily within reach for all casinos; nor is it always worth it for them to pay the premium if they're fine with skipping UK players.
How to File a Complaint with the Curacao Authorities
Unfortunately, and perhaps this is a true downside of a Curacao license, is that the GCB does not handle disputes between players and casino operators. That means if you have a complaint, you will have to figure out how to resolve it directly with the online casino.
Though you can of course submit it to the GCB anyhow if you want, since there's no harm in sending. And as the GCB itself states: "If a complaint or a pattern of complaints indicates a possible violation of the law, we may take appropriate action."
Why Choose a Curacao Licensed Casino
There's no reason to go in search of a Curacao licensed casino in particular, though you won't have to look too far to find one. That's because an increasing number of excellent operators are using Curacao licensing. And this is especially true of crypto casinos, as Curacao licensing has become more or less synonymous with the genre.
For example, all of the casinos operating under the powerful Dama N.V. brand that we've reviewed - including Betandplay and BitStarz - are Curacao licensed, as well as the superb crypto casinos Stake, Roobet, and Bitsler.
Website footer of Bitsler casino with the license seal displayedMoreLess
Where to Find Curacao Licensed Providers
Your best bet for finding a Curacao licensed casino that you're going to love, is to try any one of our recommended ones in the list above. Alternately, you could go to the GCB website and work your way through the entire 'Online Gaming License Registry'4 which covers well over 150 operators.
But the former suggestion is going to be better. Besides saving you time, trying our recommended Curacao licensed casinos means that you'll be getting a vetted online gambling experience - so you know that in addition to safety you'll enjoy easy banking, good bonus offers, and convenient cashouts. All important factors in choosing where to play.
The Expert Roundup on a Curacao eGaming License
While the benefits of a Curacao gaming license are clear from an operator's perspective - lower costs, faster processing, and more flexible regulations, we assume you're not opening an online casino and want to know what's in it for you.
Bottom line, despite the flexibility, the Curacao certification is actually quite stringent, and is in the process of becoming even more so especially in terms of responsible gaming initiatives. But most of all, the GCB is definitely an enforcer of fair, honest, and legal remote gaming. This means when you choose a Curacao licensed operator you're opting for safety, which is always going to be the most important thing.
References:
[1] https://www.gamingcontrolcuracao.org/about-us
[2] https://portal.gamingcontrolcuracao.org/page/forms
[3] https://portal.gamingcontrolcuracao.org/page/license-conditions
[4] https://www.gamingcontrolcuracao.org/en/133i348441001
I'll admit that I'm a bit of an old hand when it comes to online casinos. I've seen so much of the business that it's practically unmatched. After working with offline casinos for more than two decades, I moved into the online casino industry looking for a new challenge. Distinguishing a good casino from a bad one is an art, and I am happy to apply my expertise to check and test casino sites to deliver expert casino analyses.