Curaçao and Anjouan Casino Licences Explained: Are Offshore Casinos Safe?

Scroll to the footer of most crypto casinos and you will see a licence from Curaçao or, increasingly, Anjouan. What do these licences actually mean for you as a player, and how do they compare with stricter regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority?

Why so many casinos are licensed in Curaçao

Curaçao has licensed online gambling since the 1990s. Licences were historically cheaper and faster to get than in Europe, and the framework allowed operators to serve many international markets, including crypto payments. That made it the default choice for international and crypto-first casinos.

The new Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA)

Curaçao reformed its system with a new gambling law (the National Ordinance on Games of Chance, known locally as LOK). The old model, where a few master licence holders issued sub-licences to hundreds of brands, is being replaced by direct licences issued by the Curaçao Gaming Authority. Under the new rules, operators face stricter requirements, including:

• local substance requirements and named key persons,
• anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures,
• responsible gambling measures such as self-exclusion and limits,
• a formal complaints process.

You can usually click the licence seal in a casino’s footer to see its licence number and holder. A seal that does not click through to a validation page is a warning sign.

What about Anjouan?

Anjouan is one of the islands of the Union of the Comoros and has become a popular jurisdiction for newer crypto casinos. Licensing is quick and inexpensive. It is a legitimate licence, but player protection and dispute resolution are lighter than in Europe, so your own checks matter more.

Curaçao vs UK vs Malta

How to check an offshore casino yourself

1. Validate the licence: click the seal and confirm the company name matches the casino’s terms.
2. Read the withdrawal terms: daily, weekly and monthly limits, and when KYC is required.
3. Search for complaints: look for patterns of unpaid winnings, not single angry reviews.
4. Test a small withdrawal first before you deposit more.
5. Check restricted countries: using a VPN to bypass them breaks the terms and can lead to confiscated winnings.

We apply these checks in every review. See our picks in best crypto casinos and safest casinos.

FAQ

Is a Curaçao casino safe?

Many are run by established companies and pay reliably, but protection is lighter than in the UK or Malta. Check the licence, terms and payout reputation before depositing.

Can I play at a Curaçao casino from the UK or US?

No. Licensed offshore casinos are required to block these countries, and playing from a restricted country breaks their terms.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Gambling laws differ by country. 18+. Responsible gambling.