WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s online gambling sector is facing intense scrutiny from international watchdogs, as the island’s licensing regime has increasingly been linked to global concerns about money laundering, fraud, and consumer protection.
According to a new comparative study on offshore gambling regulators, Curaçao remains under the microscope of organizations such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the European Union (EU), and national regulators in markets where Curaçao-licensed operators target players without proper authorization.
For decades, Curaçao’s permissive system allowed online casinos and sportsbooks to operate globally with minimal oversight, relying on the controversial master license structure. This arrangement fueled rapid industry growth on the island, but also cemented Curaçao’s reputation as a “light-touch” jurisdiction, attracting both legitimate businesses and operators accused of misconduct.
International partners, particularly the Netherlands, have pressed Curaçao to raise its standards. In recent years, Dutch lawmakers warned that continued inaction could result in sanctions or blacklisting that would damage both Curaçao’s economy and the wider Kingdom’s credibility.
The study notes that regulators in Europe are especially concerned about Curaçao-licensed operators illegally targeting their markets. Countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden have repeatedly flagged Curaçao-based companies for failing to meet local consumer protection and anti-money laundering rules.
In response, the government has launched the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), a new independent regulator meant to align the island with international norms. The CGA is phasing out the master license system and introducing stricter requirements for license holders, including robust compliance with AML obligations and enhanced player safeguards.
Still, challenges remain. International trust will depend not only on new laws but also on consistent enforcement. “Curaçao must prove it can police its licensees effectively,” the study warns. “Otherwise, it risks continued reputational damage and exclusion from key financial systems.”
For Curaçao, where online gambling represents a significant source of revenue, the stakes are high. The island’s ability to modernize its regulatory framework will determine whether it can maintain its role in the global industry—or whether pressure from watchdogs will force operators to relocate.
