Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB)
Incorporated in 1999, the Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB) is a foundation based on the Caribbean island of Curacao. Tasked with regulating gambling operations in and from Curaçao, the GCB is built on a history of e-gaming regulation, dating as far back as 1993. As a result, the Curacao Gaming Control Board oversees thousands of online casinos.
Curacao-licenced casinos have a global reach, serving in unrestricted countries, or those that lack a governing body and gambling regulations. Over time, the GCB has cultivated a reputation for being more progressive and liberal than its counterparts. For better or for worse, Curacao casinos represent a colourful blend of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
By comparison, obtaining a Curacao licence is easier than any other regulator in the world, adding to the allure from an operators’ standpoint. Operating under a Curacao licence is more cost-effective and faster than its counterparts. In addition, the process of vetting new applicants is handled by one of four Master Licence Holders, who issue sub-licences, leaving a question mark over the control of new casinos by the CGB.
Cryptocurrency Gaming
While cryptocurrency is not officially regulated by Curacao, the foundation has allowed cryptocurrency casinos to flourish under its authority. It is important to note that not all Curacao casinos accommodate gaming with digital currencies, yet the Curacao e-gaming licence is responsible for more cryptocurrency casinos than any other in the world.
The e-Gaming Licence Landscape
As is the general standard with all governing bodies, the Curacao Gaming Control Board defines operations by its laws and regulations and the enforcement of the rules thereafter. Consequently, all manner of promotional material exists at Curacao casinos from a kaleidoscope of casino operations.
Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA)
Historically, the CGB has taken a unique approach to issuing licences compared to other regulatory bodies. Since its birth, four Master Licences have been issued by the CGB. In turn, each Master Licence Holder issues a sub-licence to casino operators. As a result, Curacao-licenced online casinos operate under one of the following:
- Curacao eGaming — 1668/JAZ
- Antillephone N.V. — 8048/JAZ
- Gaming Curacao — 365/JAZ
- e-Management N.V. — 5536/JA
More recently, the foundation announced a complete overhaul of gaming law under the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK). Expected in early 2024, the LOK marks the introduction of the new and improved regulation with the CGB’s proposed successor, the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA). The Master Licence Holder system is expected to be replaced with a more direct structure from the CGA.
Curacao Casinos in Summary
In some respects, the Curacao Gaming Control Board offers little to no player support. As a result, a Curacao-licenced casino may require more scrutiny by players seeking trouble-free gaming, due to the lean enforcement from the regulator. The authority has little to do with player complaints, and, historically, is less strict than many other regulatory bodies.
As of 2023, Curacao casinos must provide a self-exclusion facility for users, meaning some casinos may not provide the responsible gambling toolkit of customisable limits, which has become the recommended standard for the rest of the world. The astute will recognise that a Curacao casino that cares, is one that goes over and above its licencing requirement to protect players.
On the other hand, players are free to play with fewer restrictions and can benefit from a diverse range of operations, encompassing cryptocurrency gaming, inviting loyalty programs, enticing VIP treatment, and player promotions galore. Leading global game developers make Curacao casinos their home, as well as rising stars in gaming.
