Curacao targets unlicensed gambling operators
Curaçao’s Gaming Authority (CGA) has begun a crackdown on companies registered in the country that offer gambling services without holding a local license. The regulator made it clear: using a foreign B2C license is not enough and could lead to formal warnings or even criminal charges.
Requirement for local licenses
Only companies with a CGA-issued license (or another valid legal basis) can legally offer games of chance from Curaçao.
The authority firmly stated:
“Without, or contrary to, a CGA‑issued Gaming License, or without any other legal authority to do so, it is not allowed to organize, or provide the opportunity to play, any Game of Chance in or from Curaçao.”
Simply registering a company in Curaçao does not authorize it to operate gambling services.
What about foreign licenses?
The CGA has identified many Curaçao-registered companies operating under foreign licenses. These businesses create a misleading appearance of legality. They may deceive players, partners, and service providers. The CGA warned that these setups “may appear legitimate to the outside world” while violating national law.
Criminal risk for operators and partners
Operating without a CGA license may also break Curaçao’s Criminal Code. The regulator warned that individuals and companies involved – knowingly or not – could face prosecution. It stated, “Any person or entity involved in such operations, knowingly or otherwise, must be aware of the potential consequences.” That includes service providers like payment processors and hosting platforms.
The CGA plans to issue cease-and-desist letters in the coming period. These orders will go to companies that run gambling services under foreign licenses or without any license. The authority urges them to either stop their operations or apply for a CGA license immediately.