For years, a Curacao licence was the cheapest and easiest way to run an online casino, and it had a reputation to match. A handful of master licence holders resold sub-licences to hundreds of sites, with little oversight and little help for players. That system ended at the close of 2024. Curacao now has a new law, a new regulator and a public register, although the old licence numbers are still floating around casino footers.
This page explains what changed, how to tell a current licence from an old one, and what a Curacao licence is worth to a Canadian player today.
Quick answer: Curacao’s new gaming law (the LOK) took effect on December 24, 2024. The Curacao Gaming Authority now licenses operators directly, with licence numbers that usually start with OGL. Old numbers such as 8048/JAZ belong to the former sub-licence system. Check the Authority’s published register before trusting a casino, and treat it as mid-level protection at best.
What Changed in Curacao
| Old system | New system (since December 24, 2024) | |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Gaming Control Board and master licence holders | Curacao Gaming Authority |
| Who holds the licence | Master licensees, with sites as sub-licensees | Each operator directly |
| Typical licence number | 8048/JAZ and similar | OGL/2024/… and CGA numbers |
| Public checking | Validator seals of mixed quality | Published licence and enforcement registers |
The law, known locally as the LOK (Landsverordening op de kansspelen), was passed by Curacao’s parliament on December 17, 2024. Former sub-licensees had to apply directly to stay in the market.
How to Check a Curacao Licence
- Find the licence number in the casino’s footer, and the operating company’s name.
- Open the Curacao Gaming Authority’s site at cga.cw and go to its licence register. The register is published as a PDF.
- Search for the company name or number.
- Check the enforcement register too. It lists revoked, suspended and not-extended licences.
- Be wary of 8048/JAZ-style numbers. They are from the old system. The operator may also hold a newer licence, so check before assuming either way.
What We Found in Our Reviews
Checking the register has changed several of our conclusions:
| Casino | Register finding |
|---|---|
| iWild | Goodwin N.V., OGL/2024/758/0228, listed |
| Jet | Galaktika N.V., OGL/2024/169/0146, listed |
| CashWin | Willx N.V., OGL/2024/1647/0892, listed |
| Stake | OGL/2024/1451/0918 |
| QuickWin | Rabidi N.V., a company linked to the brand, had its licence revoked on June 11, 2024 |
| Zet | The companies named on its site were not on the register when we checked; the site still shows old-style licence text |
Registers change, so treat this as a snapshot and check the current version. Our individual reviews explain each case.
What a Curacao Licence Means for You
- Better than before. Direct licensing and public registers are a real step forward.
- Still not provincial protection. Curacao’s regulator is far from Canada, and it has no connection to your province.
- Complaints. The Authority has a route for complaints, but response and outcomes are less documented than at Malta or Kahnawake.
- Bonuses and limits. Curacao casinos often carry aggressive bonus terms and low withdrawal caps, so read them carefully.
A valid licence is the start of checking a casino, not the end. Compare it with other licences on our casino licence comparison. If you are in Ontario or Alberta, licensed provincial sites are the better choice; our list of Ontario casinos and our page on Alberta casinos cover them.
If You Have a Problem With a Curacao Casino
Complain to the casino in writing first, keep your records, then contact the Curacao Gaming Authority through its website. Our explainer on resolving casino disputes covers how to build a clear complaint. Payment method disputes are a last resort, and withdrawals are safest when you choose casinos with a strong record; see our ranking of fast payout casinos.
Play Carefully
Whatever the licence, keep deposits within your budget. Our page on gambling support in Canada lists help in every province.
Written by Liam Lambert, OCCG casino reviewer. Register findings reflect our checks in 2026 and can change. If something has changed, let us know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Curacao licence legit?
It can be. Check that the casino’s operator appears on the Curacao Gaming Authority’s current register.
What does 8048/JAZ mean?
It is an old sub-licence number from Curacao’s former master licence system, which was replaced in late 2024.
What is an OGL licence?
A licence number issued under Curacao’s new system, for example OGL/2024/758/0228.
Who regulates casinos in Curacao?
The Curacao Gaming Authority, which replaced the Gaming Control Board.
How do I check a Curacao licence?
Use the licence and enforcement registers on the Authority’s website at cga.cw.
Are Curacao casinos safe for Canadians?
Some are, but protection is weaker than provincial or Malta licences, so check the register and read the terms closely.
Can I complain about a Curacao casino?
Yes. Complain to the casino first, then contact the Authority. Outcomes are less documented than with some other regulators.
Are Curacao casinos legal in Ontario?
They are not licensed in Ontario. Ontario players should use AGCO-registered sites.
