For the most ardent online gamblers, Curacao is a familiar name, especially when you scroll to the footer of online casino sites looking for license details. This Caribbean island has been a hotbed for online operators for decades, thanks to its affordable licensing structure and relatively quick approval process.
But the entire gambling industry is transforming thanks to a new licensing framework. The introduction of the Landsverordening op de kansspelen (LOK) in December 2024 now means the legacy master license model will no longer work.
All gambling supervision will be directly overseen by the Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB), also referred to as the Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA). This reform marks a new chapter for the jurisdiction, as it steps up efforts to align with the standards of leading regulators.
Now that you have an idea of what Curacao licenses offer, take some time to discover the best casinos with this license below.
You will have an easy time finding Curacao-licensed casinos on the internet just because many of them gravitate towards since it offers plenty of flexibility.
But if you don’t have the time to hunt down these casinos or you’re simply a newbie on the scene, this list of Curacao casinos should take the load off your shoulders. Plus, all listed casinos are available to players in various European countries.
The Curacao license has been around since 1996 under the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard. During this time, many countries had no laws for internet casinos, but Curacao positioned itself as a pioneer, offering operators a legal base to run digital betting platforms.
And as time went by, the industry evolved with the jurisdiction turning to a Master License structure (now defunct) awarded to four private companies. These companies basically had the authority to issue sub-licenses to operators, effectively acting as intermediaries between casinos and the government.
Starting January 2026, the Curaçao Gaming Authority will enforce new local substance requirements for all licensed operators. Both B2C and B2B companies will need to employ staff members directly on the island, at least one in the first four years, and three from the fifth year onward.
In addition to their local Managing Director. Operators must also establish dedicated office space in Curaçao, equipped with standard business facilities and fully independent from other activities. These changes are designed to move away from the “postbox” model, strengthen compliance, and ensure a stronger local presence, while also introducing stricter rules around responsible gaming and player protection.
The Curacao eGaming was the most widely recognized of the Master License holders, with its badge displayed on hundreds of online casinos and sportsbooks. Known for its longevity, the CEG license dates as far back as 1996, which made it the most visible face of Curacao licensing worldwide.
Considered the most player-friendly Master License holder, Antillephone N.V. steadily built this reputation since the early 2000s. And the main reason for this was how the regulator was a bit more proactive in providing answers to disputes and transparency than its rivals.
A less prominent license than the CEG or Antillephone but still quite solid over the years, Gaming Curacao was seen as a “middle-ground” option for many mid-sized operators.
Rounding up the list of the four Master License holders is Curacao Interactive Licensing (CIL). And compared to others, CIL issued fewer sub-licenses, plus it had a reputation for being more business-focused than player-facing. This essentially made it more efficient for operators but less visible in player communities.
With the legacy structure now out of the way, Curacao introduced Landsverordening op de kansspelen (LOK) on December 24, 2024. This new law completely restructured how online gambling is regulated on the island, replacing the decades-old Master and sub-licensing model with a single-tier licensing framework managed directly by the government.
The Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB), also referred to as the Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) is now the sole body responsible for issuing, supervising, and enforcing gambling licenses. It oversees both land-based and online operators to give Curacao that much-needed unified regulatory authority for the first time in its history.
B2B (Business-to-Business) licenses: Software developers, payment processors, and other service providers that support licensed gambling platforms fall under this category.
Curacao is arguably the most popular regulator in the market because of its flexibility in enforcement. But what exactly makes it a popular option among operators?
Historically, Curacao wasn’t seen as the strictest when it came to player protection. Unlike the UKGC or MGA, there’s no dedicated compensation scheme or strong intervention if a casino collapses.
Having said that, most Master License holders still require operators to implement anti-fraud tools, SSL encryption, and RNG-certified games. On the player’s side, this means a baseline level of fairness is usually present, but the depth of protection can vary between casinos.
Based on the reputation Curacao has in the iGaming world, you’d think that there are no safeguards or even compliance rules for operators.
But that’s not the case because every Curacao sub-license must follow certain guidelines, including keeping player funds secure, offering responsible gambling tools, and meeting technical standards for their platforms. While these rules exist, the enforcement has been lighter compared to European regulators.
A major upgrade in the new licensing structure is the creation of a centralised, public registry of all licensed operators and suppliers. Players can now easily verify whether a site is genuinely licensed, helping to eliminate fake claims while improving trust.
Most notably, the registry is maintained by the GCB/CGA and is publicly accessible online. Among the details included in the register are the license number, date of issue, expiry date, and the name of the licensee.
Unlike the old system, the new framework places tighter rules around how operators can advertise bonuses and promotions. According to the new regulations, operators must ensure clear terms and conditions, avoid misleading offers, and give players access to fair wagering requirements.
But while Curacao casinos will likely remain competitive with promotions, the reforms aim to reduce the risk of exploitative bonus practices.
The LOK places heavy emphasis on Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) standards. These standards mean operators must perform even more rigorous player identity verification, monitor transactions for suspicious activities, and report risks directly to the regulator.
Obviously, this will mean players will have to bear with additional document requests during withdrawals or registration. But on the brighter side, it means a safer environment overall.
Despite the tighter compliance, Curacao has retained its reputation as a low-tax jurisdiction. Licensed operators need only pay a corporate tax of just 2% on net profits.
And even more enticing about this jurisdiction is there are no withholding taxes on gambling winnings for players. That means if a player wins on a Curacao-licensed platform, they will walk away with their entire winnings.
Now that there’s a central licensing system in Curacao, many operators will be lining up for its seal. But there are already some of the leading gambling companies that were already using the legacy system and will transition to the new structure.
One of the main reasons that gambling companies prefer the Curacao license is its global reach. And this is unlikely to change in the new structure. Plus, with only one Curacao license, companies can service dozens of markets. Another noteworthy reason companies opt for the Curacao seal is the speed of licensing, which is much quicker than the UKGC or MGA.
With the Curacao license favoured by many operators, it definitely means you’ll find a bunch of players at these sites. And with that come several advantages and disadvantages for players as listed below:
Pros
Cons
For players, the Curacao license is no longer just a symbol of accessibility but a solid mark of accountability. Of course, that comes with the need to share more documents to verify your account or accept that bonuses come with clearer restrictions. But the trade-off is a safer, more transparent, and more reliable gaming experience.
Appearance-wise, there’s not too much difference between Curacao-licensed casinos and those licensed by other authorities. But it’s in the operations and the offerings that the distinctions begin to emerge. That being the case, here’s what players can expect to see in it.
It comes as no surprise since Curacao casinos tend to have dozens of software providers to work with. That includes both industry giants and niche developers. And in turn, you’ll normally come across huge libraries of slots, live dealer games and betting markets. So, if variety is just your thing, you’re probably not going to walk away disappointed.
In the past, customer support quality used to vary widely. But with Curacao’s reforms, operators are now required to provide accessible complaint channels and demonstrate responsiveness to player issues. That means offering 24/7 live chat, email, and even phone support.
What’s even more relieving is that the GCB/CGA can intervene if support standards fall short to offer players stronger recourse than before.
Players now have a better dispute resolution handling mechanism under the Curacao license. The key difference is that complaints no longer sit with private Master License holders. Instead, the Curacao Gaming Control Board oversees disputes, thus offering players a more credible avenue for resolution.
You will notice that most Curacao casinos still use the standard security protocols. These SSL encryptions ensure your personal and financial data is safe, and then you have RNG-certified games. In terms of fairness, operators must use proven RNG software like iTech Labs or GLI to ensure all games are fair.
With hundreds of Curacao operators littering the internet hunting for the same client base, it’s only natural that competition gets to fierce levels. That’s why you’ll come across generous welcome bonuses, reloads, and loyalty schemes.
But as operators continue to offer these deals, the terms and conditions must now be clear, transparent, and non-misleading. With clearer terms, players can make informed choices before claiming any offer.
Not all gaming licenses are created equal and that means you’re bound to come across different modes of operation in various key sectors of regulation. In this table, you can compare the different major casino licenses.
| License | Player safety level | Compliance strictness | Licensing costs | Unique points |
| Curacao | Moderate | Light to medium | Low | Favourable tax rates, fast licensing, crypto-friendly, accepted in many markets |
| UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) | Very high | Extremely strict | High | Strongest player protection, mandatory responsible gaming tools, UK-only focus. |
| Gibraltar/Alderney/Isle of Man | High | Strict | High | Attractive for big operators, strong EU/UK reputation, good for sports betting giants. |
| Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) | High | Strict but flexible | Medium to high | Broad European reach, detailed compliance checks, trusted by EU players. |
| Anjouan | Developing | Light | Low | Fast-growing alternative, low cost like Curacao, modern digital compliance but less proven track record. |
Curacao’s role in the online gambling world has been something of a double-edged sword for a long time. The one side of it is that it’s been a launch pad to thousands of operators, allowing players from all over the planet access to a seemingly endless number of games and casinos. But on the other hand, the lighter-touch oversight has meant that players occasionally encounter risks that would not exist under more stringent jurisdictions.
Now, in an effort to give control to the Curacao Gaming Control Board, the island is at a crossroads. And for players, that means more robust protections and, with luck, less rancor and fewer rude awakenings. Operators are not forgotten and can now see a larger credibility within a global arena, albeit at a higher price of compliance.
So, in the end, Curacao’s place in the annals as one of the first to offer online gambling regulation has been secured. But its future may finally offer the kind of sweet balance between accessibility and accountability that players everywhere have been eagerly waiting for.
Meanwhile, as the reforms take shape, explore our full list of reviewed casinos operating under this license to find your next favorite site.
Lead streamer and expert on online casinos.
Natvig has been in the industry since 2019. He started streaming on Twitch and has later expanded Kingbonus into Instagram, Youtube and Kick.
