Curaçao targets illegal gambling operators

Curaçao’s Gaming Control Board (CGA) has issued a strong warning to gambling companies operating from the island without a proper local license.
According to Article 1.2(1) of the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK), all companies offering gambling services from Curaçao must have a license from the CGA. This means that operators based in Curaçao cannot legally operate under foreign licenses. The CGA says this practice not only violates gaming laws but also the Criminal Code.
Many companies registered in Curaçao use foreign B2C licenses. The CGA warns this is both illegal and misleading. Soon, all these companies will receive formal cease-and-desist letters. If not complied with, the companies will face serious legal action.
Global pressure from the gambling industry
For many years, Curaçao has faced criticism from different countries, especially from Japan, for allowing operators to target international markets without proper control. Generally, these sites often don’t pay taxes and don’t meet basic consumer protection standards.
As a result, Curaçao has updated its gambling laws. New rules require licensed operators to submit regular financial reports, keep clear records, and offer responsible gambling tools, including self-exclusion systems.
FAQs
Is gambling legal in Curaçao?
Gambling in Curaçao is legal and regulated by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (CGA).
What is the legal gambling age in Curaçao?
The legal gambling age in Curaçao is 18 years.
With a degree in linguistics and translation, I create content that speaks the language of iGaming. My passion for turning topics into content that connects, informs, and entertains led me to specialize in writing for the iGaming industry. Over the past year with AffPapa, I have covered industry insights with different news, articles, and opinion pieces.