Curacao Gambling Control Board’s history began in the 1990s, right after the Curacao government became the first in the world to pass a law regulating online gambling and started issuing gaming licenses to online gambling operators. Curacao attracted many online gambling platforms due to the fast and simple licensing process, lower requirements for starting capital, and some of the lowest tax rates in the world.
In the 2000s, the commission faced frequent criticism for its loose supervision of online gambling platforms compared to the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. Since then, Curacao authority has been actively addressing concerns about players right, fraud prevention, and game security.
Latest Updates from Curacao Gaming Control Board
In 2023, the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) introduced significant reforms to Curacao's online gambling licensing system. In accordance with this, the Curacao GCB began implementing new measures to ensure a clearer and safer environment for players. Key updates impacting Curacao-licensed online casinos include:
- Establishment of a Centralized Authority. A new regulator body, the Curacao Gaming Authority, has been formed to oversee the issuance, suspension, and revocation of license, as well as to enforce responsible gambling measures under the LOK framework.
- Elimination of the Master and Sub-master license model. Previously, a master license, valid for five years and issued by the Ministry of Justice of Curacao, allowed holders to grant sub-licenses. This system has been abolished, along with the master and sub license structures.
- Introduction of a New Curacao Licensing Model. Under the updated system, there are two types of license: B2C (Business-to-Consumer) for operators providing gambling services to players and B2B (Business-to-Business) for games providers, payment processors and other. Both license are valid for one year.
- Stricter Requirements for Operators. Operators are required to establish a legal company in Curacao and open a local office, prove financial stability, and comply with stricter regulatory standards. Additionally, the costs of license and annual fees have increased.
- Introduction of Strict Responsible Gambling Rules. The GCB has enforced measures to support responsible gambling, including self-exclusion and deposit limits. Curacao online casinos are also required to set limits on their playing time and spending.