If you are a fan of online casinos, there’s a good chance that you’ve run into games with the Curacao licence. If you were wondering what that means and why so many sites use it, we are here to help you understand all of its aspects.
This gaming licence is issued by the Curacao eGaming Commission, a regulatory body that’s been in the business for several decades. It is a stamp of quality that many of the online casinos strive for because it shows that the platform is operating ethically and in compliance with strict regulations. Playing in foreign casinos online, you will see this licence a lot, ensuring that alongside handsome bonuses and exciting games, you are also provided security and quality of service.
Operators tend to go for the Curacao licence because it is a very convenient solution for them, allowing the sites to host sports betting and lotteries alongside standard gaming and gambling activities. This makes the bureaucratic process much easier and quicker. Smaller operators often pick it because of its affordability and attractive fees for startups and smaller businesses who are just getting into this game. Licence holders are subject to very low corporate taxes with no VAT. This weighs much lighter in comparison with the increasing UK taxes. With the possibility of remote gaming duty increased to 50%, this is a massive plus for the operators who are starting their iGaming business.
The process of application is also very straightforward, and it can take just a few weeks for a business to go from applying to officially opening their casino. This is in no small part thanks to Curacao being very business-friendly. The country has an expansive support structure for the gaming scene, with a great legal and technical safety net. They have been doing this for over 30 years, so there is a lot of experience they can easily apply to help operators get things started smoothly.
True, the Curacao licence is not on the same level of prestige as the UK or Malta, but it allows operators to reach a very wide and constantly growing global audience. This global acceptance is what drives many operators to start off with it before switching up to something more strict or with a more prestigious reputation. It is somewhat of a gateway into the world of regulated iGaming, but it doesn’t make it in any way bad. For a first step, it allows the operators to have flexibility in adjusting themselves to the world of online gambling and figuring out the way they want to manage their online business.
There have been instances of sites placing fraudulent licences, which is why the Curacao eGaming Commission provides an info section with a full registar allowing players to make an authenticity check for any casino and its licence. Unfortunately, there are scams like this all over the iGaming world, so it’s always best to keep informed and vigilant in regards to safety.
