The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has issued a clear warning to companies registered in Curaçao that are offering online gaming services without a valid CGA license. According to the regulator, operating under foreign licenses or without proper authorization is illegal under local law.
The CGA says these practices mislead partners, payment providers, and players, and may also breach criminal regulations. Authorities plan to send cease-and-desist letters soon, targeting businesses that continue to operate outside the regulatory system.
What Operators Risk
Online gambling operators in Curaçao are facing increased scrutiny as the CGA tightens enforcement of its licensing rules. Weeks ahead are expected to bring formal cease-and-desist notices to companies found operating under foreign or invalid licenses.
This move aims to protect players, payment providers, and business partners from misleading claims and unlicensed gaming activity originating from Curaçao entities. It also reinforces the importance of compliance with national law and highlights potential criminal consequences for those enabling unlawful gambling operations.
Businesses are urged to verify licensing status and ensure full adherence to Curaçao regulatory requirements moving forward.
Transition to a New Licensing Framework in Curaçao
Back in September 2023, Curaçao began reshaping its online gambling regulatory system as part of the rollout of the National Ordinance for Games of Chance. The government opened a new licensing portal designed to process applications under updated rules while also transitioning existing sublicensees into a more formal structure.
This shift marked the start of moving toward stricter oversight and a clearer regulatory framework. Under the planned system, only companies with a registered presence in Curaçao and at least one local director would be eligible for licensing.
The reform also introduced a structured application process requiring key disclosures from operators and beneficial owners. Successful applicants could receive provisional approval, followed by a review period before full compliance.
While the old system still applied temporarily, the long-term goal was to centralize control under the newly formed Curaçao Gaming Authority, ensuring tighter regulation and more transparent governance of the online gaming sector moving forward.
First Licenses Mark a New Era for Curaçao iGaming
In February 2024, Curaçao’s Gaming Control Board confirmed the issuance of the first iGaming licenses under its newly introduced regulatory framework. This milestone came just weeks after the updated licensing portal began processing applications, signaling the start of a more structured and formalized gambling regime in the jurisdiction.
Among the early license holders were operators linked to established industry groups, alongside several brands receiving official Digital Seals that validate their compliance under the new system.
Regulators described the moment as a turning point for Curaçao’s gambling sector, highlighting strong demand for licenses that exceeded expectations. Industry stakeholders also welcomed the change, viewing it as a step toward greater credibility and international recognition.
The new framework is designed to gradually replace the older sub-licensing model and strengthen oversight as the Curaçao Gaming Authority prepares to assume full regulatory control in the near future.
Together, these developments mark a broader tightening of enforcement and regulatory control in Curaçao’s gambling sector, with the CGA steadily tightening enforcement and positioning itself as a more serious and credible regulator in the global iGaming market.
Source:
Curaçao Gaming Authority to Take Firm Action Against Illegal Operations, portal.cga.cw, 2026
