Curaçao’s New Gambling Legislation: Reform or Another Illusion?
Curaçao's recent approval of the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) is being touted as a landmark step toward modernising its gambling regulations. However, this so-called "reform" may be more about appeasing international critics than genuinely protecting players. For those expecting a safer, more player-friendly environment, the reality might be far less promising.
Unrealistic Expectations
The new legislation introduces stricter compliance measures, including anti-money laundering protocols and responsible gambling standards, but these efforts do little to address the elephant in the room: the fundamental fairness of the games themselves. Players in Curaçao-licensed casinos have long voiced concerns over the low Return to Player (RTP) percentages. Raising the RTP would be a tangible way to benefit players, but instead, the focus is on optics and bureaucracy.
This mirrors a worrying trend in the industry, where the probability of winning big—such as the maximum multiplication in modern slots—has become almost non-existent. It's a flashy promise with near-zero odds, much like chasing a jackpot in Magamolok. Sure, the numbers sound impressive, but for most players, it's an unattainable fantasy.
A Dubious Future
The new Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) promises stricter oversight, but will it truly benefit players? Existing licensees will be grandfathered into the system, meaning many of the same operators with questionable practices will continue as usual. New requirements, such as establishing a physical presence, might deter smaller, more transparent operators, leaving room for larger, less player-friendly companies to dominate.
Conclusion
While the LOK is being hailed as a step forward, players should remain cautious. Without meaningful reforms that prioritise fairness—like raising RTP or ensuring transparent game mechanics—this legislation may only serve to polish Curaçao's tarnished reputation while leaving players in the same precarious position.
If you're considering a Curaçao-licensed casino, rely on real player reviews to guide your choice, as promises of reform often mask the same old practices.
Mark Patterson is the news writer at CasinosInCanada who covers the latest developments in the iGaming industry, including casino launches, regulations, and market updates.
I’ll believe it when I see it. The big wins streamers keep hitting are obviously staged for the cameras. If they really wanted to improve the industry, they’d make changes that actually benefit the players—not just the operators.
Interesting how they’re making a big deal about a physical presence for new applicants. Meanwhile, I’m still waiting for a real change in how casinos actually operate. Show me the improvements in RTP, not just regulations.
Is it just me, or does it feel like Curaçao is just trying to look good on paper while making zero meaningful changes? New authority, same old problems.
As a player, it feels like we're getting the short end of the stick again. More regulations and red tape for operators, but nothing that actually improves the experience for the people who matter most: us, the players.
They say they're focusing on anti-money laundering and responsible gambling, but what about the actual fairness of the games? The RTP is still pathetic in most of these casinos.