The Curacao Gaming Authority is changing its image in the global online gaming market. Previously regarded mainly as an economical choice for offshore operators, the island is now striving to position itself as a reliable and well-regulated industry, particularly in the case of crypto-based platforms.
In the second quarter of 2025, the Curacao Gaming Authority approved more than 220 provisional online gaming licenses. Many of these licenses are crypto online casinos that allow the use of digital coins. The approvals are part of a wider reform under the National Ordinance for Games of Chance, also known as LOK. This new law replaced the old master license system with a single authority that issues licenses directly.
Under this, the Curacao Gaming Authority has full control over everything. This is designed to increase the safety and clearance of operators who do not adhere to the rules. The authorities claim their aim is not only growth but also stability and better standards in the industry.
A key part of the reform is stronger checks on money and identity. All licensed operators must now follow strict rules on anti-money laundering and know your customer checks. Players making transactions over 2,500 euros must be verified. Extra checks are required for crypto activity, and operators must screen users against global sanctions lists from the EU, UN, and the United States.
Each licensed platform must also appoint a trained AML officer. This person is responsible for internal checks, reports, and contact with the regulator. Operators must submit regular audit reports and flag any risky or suspicious activity. These steps bring Curacao closer to well-known regulators such as Malta and Gibraltar.
The new rules are already changing how banks and payment firms work with Curacao-licensed crypto online casinos. Industry groups report that platforms with provisional approval now face fewer banking rejections. Some operators say rejection rates have dropped by up to 40 percent, making it easier to move funds between crypto and traditional currencies.
Players are also expected to benefit. The Curacao Gaming Authority now requires safer play tools, including deposit limits and self-exclusion options. Crypto online casinos must also prove that their games are fair. Through blockchain solutions that enable players to check results on public networks, this is achieved.
These systems record game outcomes on the blockchain, allowing anyone to verify them. Faster networks like Solana offer near instant results with very low fees. For gamers in areas like Latin America or Southeast Asia, this means quicker deposits and fewer delays compared to bank transfers.
Early operators were drawn to Curacao's permission for crypto use since 2014. Remaining below 20,000 euros, annual license prices are still below those of several European countries. Poor implementation in the past, nevertheless, tarnished its reputation.
The Curacao Gaming Authority now differentiates licenses for B2C and B2B operators. The rules clearly allow digital coins until specific crypto laws are introduced. This gives operators clarity while still keeping oversight in place.
The impact on the market is already clear. Global crypto wagering reached about 26 billion dollars in early 2025, double the previous year. Licensed Curacao platforms report faster user sign-ups and better partnerships with payment services. This growth is strongest in regions where crypto use is high, but banking access is limited.
Industry experts say the new system will push out operators who are not ready to meet higher standards. At the same time, it gives serious businesses a chance to grow under a respected license. With more licenses expected to be fully approved by 2026, Curacao is positioning itself as a strong and reliable center for regulated crypto gaming.
The Curacao Gaming Authority’s reforms mark a clear shift from flexibility at any cost to balanced regulation. If the current pace continues, Curacao could become a key example of how a gaming market can rebuild trust while still supporting innovation.
