What Lies Ahead for Curacao Casinos?

• 10 Feb 2025

Germany began regulating online gambling in July 2021, requiring providers to obtain licenses from the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States to offer virtual slot games. Despite this legal shift, Curacao-based casinos remain popular. However, questions arise regarding the future of these casinos, as Curacao's Minister of Finance plans to reform online gambling.

In recent years, we've monitored developments in the online gambling industry on the Caribbean island of Curacao. While there were initial indications of gambling reform in Curacao, progress has been slow. Nevertheless, the island's finance minister aims to revamp Curacao's online gambling sector.

Javier Silvania, Curacao's Minister of Finance, along with a representative from the local Gaming Control Board (GCB), recently revealed the initial details of the proposed gaming law. A key objective is to impose stricter conditions for obtaining a license, including demonstrating a physical presence in Curacao, potentially ending the prevalence of shell companies.

Currently, the exact number of online casinos holding Curacao licenses is unknown due to licensees issuing additional white label licenses to other operators. However, estimates suggest there could be around 12,000 such casinos. The Netherlands has also requested that Curacao casinos abide by international laws, limiting their player base to Curacao residents, which could significantly impact their market.

To improve its image, Curacao's Minister of Finance aims to rectify the island's reputation, which has suffered due to a mix of reputable online casinos and unscrupulous operators. Curacao is set to host the "Minister of Finance in association with SiGMA" event, signaling its commitment to reform. However, with Germany's strict regulations, only online gaming rooms with licenses from the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States are accessible to German players under the new State Treaty on Gaming (GlüStV).