Licensing Big changes coming for Curaçao casino licensing

[Smithyy]

Gambling is a trust game fundamentally - and regulation can and should be part of that trust chain, but it can't be exclusive - we've seen reputable Curacao operations and we've seen rogue UKGC and MGA operations. As a UKGC player, my biggest concerns right now - the lack of transparency over RTPs and game design, the death of promotions, and more and more manipulation of withdrawal and complaints procedures - have basically no visibility at all on the UKGC radar, they're focusing more on spin speed (so twice the house edge at half the speed) and paperwork

Which is precisely why so many players were going to Curacao from the UK in the first place - and if that door shuts, and we end up with a brand new slew of rogue/unlicensed sites (potentially operating in far worse conditions than Curacao, even), things are going to get even worse.

 

[Deeplay]

As for the Cup-o-cocoa license holders with good intent (apparently there are a few about) if the direction of travel is toward a useful authority with some degree of actually giving a fuck after the cash is collected, then if they are going to put the genuine sites through those costs and procedures then those sites may as well invest in a license which has some status, like a MGA one rather than a Poundland equivalent.

Even when all this has come to pass, what will happen to existing complaints about Cup-o-cola operators and the previous scammers still under their umbrella and the millions they have defrauded? Sod-all.

They are more than a few about - the choice is growing and the places I have played at offer good to really good support high rtps - no restrictions and cashouts with are instant (never waited more that 5 minutes for a cash out to hit my crypto wallet) - the bad side of gaming is now in the UK - like it or not the future is not here its overseas ... and they are a growing list of really good strong sites that offer everything and more that the UK never will be able to. Plus why play in the UK at redued rtps and so on. No thanks - crypto is the way forwards and licence changes of not to this durastriction it wont change a thing they will find a way to keep the doors open as too much money involved. Time to face it - Uk online gaming is now a dying breed. Even CM is seeing that now as they start to promote more and more Curaçao facing casinos.

Its not a cup o coco licence but a region which has certain casinso that offer a top rated product which by now outstrips anything the UK can offer.

 

[nisosbar]

I think you're referring to this thread (although I can't see the results - you still have to vote to view results, and the thread is locked, perhaps the mods can help?).

Here you go (I voted and I can see the results, so you know, voting has its privileges, lol) - licensing was 7th most important feature out of 12:

 

[Smithyy]

They are more than a few about - the choice is growing and the places I have played at offer good to really good support high rtps - no restrictions and cashouts with are instant (never waited more that 5 minutes for a cash out to hit my crypto wallet) - the bad side of gaming is now in the UK - like it or not the future is not here its overseas ... and they are a growing list of really good strong sites that offer everything and more that the UK never will be able to. Plus why play in the UK at redued rtps and so on. No thanks - crypto is the way forwards and licence changes of not to this durastriction it wont change a thing they will find a way to keep the doors open as too much money involved. Time to face it - Uk online gaming is now a dying breed. Even CM is seeing that now as they start to promote more and more Curaçao facing casinos.

Its not a cup o coco licence but a region which has certain casinso that offer a top rated product which by now outstrips anything the UK can offer.

From a player's perspective, I have to agree; in the last 8-ish years I've played at crypto sites almost exclusively, and not once have been denied winnings. The one time I was asked for KYC, they still paid my balance but shut my account. On the other hand, I'm aware this isn't the reality for everyone - and I'm always careful to pick sites I consider to be trustworthy. Unfortunately, there are far too many bad eggs operating under Curacao licenses, with the Master License holders failing to take action all too often, tarnishing all of the well-intentioned brands.

With that being said, I should also note that while I personally have had zero issues whatsoever playing from the UK, I am fully aware that these sites are breaching their license terms and conditions in most cases; and I take issue with the lack of KYC checks, from a responsible gambling point of view.

 

[goatwack]

I think this lack of trust is prevalent in just about every form of entertainment presently, whereby companies take it upon themselves to tell customers consumers what is best for them.

Hence why punters are willing to forego the ever-widening UKGC limitations in favour of overseas play. Yet all that's created is a black market scenario with meaningless licensees operating with impunity - hardly the beacon of industry excellence.

Players choosing these new frontiers aren't basing their decision on any sort of trust, it's just blind faith....and when the payments stop and all the problems start rolling in, we'll find the UK scene even more fragmented than before. Because let's face it champs, these casinos aren't going to be this benevolent forever

 

[slot_zombie]

Not blind faith - more of a calculated risk - with the obvious and very tangible benefits outweighing the potential pitfalls in my case. Mileage may vary.

Folks need to also understand that many of us playing offshore have now lost most or all of our UK accounts due to operators either closing down or imposing the ridiculous UKGC checks, restrictions, and suspensions. It's not even a binary choice between UK and offshore any more for the 'enthusiast' player - it's offshore or.. nothing.

 

[goatwack]

Not blind faith - more of a calculated risk - with the obvious and very tangible benefits outweighing the potential pitfalls in my case. Mileage may vary.

Folks need to also understand that many of us playing offshore have now lost most or all of our UK accounts due to operators either closing down or imposing the ridiculous UKGC checks, restrictions, and suspensions. It's not even a binary choice between UK and offshore any more for the 'enthusiast' player - it's offshore or.. nothing.

Yet when there's no choice, your only remaining option isn't guaranteed to be better by default, surely?

I'm sure that offshore plugs many of the gaps created by the UKGC, but I don't believe it's sustainable going forward, not to mention exploited by unscrupulous operators in amongst the confusion.....

 

[nisosbar]

Players choosing these new frontiers aren't basing their decision on any sort of trust, it's just blind faith....and when the payments stop and all the problems start rolling in, we'll find the UK scene even more fragmented than before. Because let's face it champs, these casinos aren't going to be this benevolent forever

From a consumer perspective, gambling is hit-and-run, not a long-term solution to financial problems.

Also there's the expression, 'let's cross that bridge when we come to it.' I don't know about you, but I've been around since before the internet, and online gambling has been a thing since the internet was formed. It's not benevolence for the house to offer a game which favors the house, and the games have ALWAYS favored the house.

 

[goatwack]

From a consumer perspective, gambling is hit-and-run, not a long-term solution to financial problems.

Also there's the expression, 'let's cross that bridge when we come to it.' I don't know about you, but I've been around since before the internet, and online gambling has been a thing since the internet was formed. It's not benevolence for the house to offer a game which favors the house, and the games have ALWAYS favored the house.

Well, I now stand corrected, having not been around before the internet.

I now can say with confidence:

1) Gambling is not a solution to rectifying financial problems

2) Online gambling has been around since the internet, when I thought it was just punters playing cards on trapezes

3) Games have a mathematical house edge

Zoiks!

 

[slot_zombie]

I don't believe it's sustainable going forward, not to mention exploited by unscrupulous operators in amongst the confusion.....

Well, the whole point of this thread was for staff to post a news article kindly letting us all know that no, it isn't sustainable.

Seems like we have a few months before the axe falls on the whole thing though.

 

[Smithyy]

Well, the whole point of this thread was for staff to post a news article kindly letting us all know that no, it isn't sustainable.

Seems like we have a few months before the axe falls on the whole thing though.

Yep, the ball is in motion, and the Curacao Government have stated they'll be releasing further information about time-frames sometime this September. We're seeing mixed information on how exactly things are going to work - should have more info in the next week or two.

 

[nisosbar]

Well, I now stand corrected, having not been around before the internet.

I now can say with confidence:

1) Gambling is not a solution to rectifying financial problems

2) Online gambling has been around since the internet, when I thought it was just punters playing cards on trapezes

3) Games have a mathematical house edge

Zoiks!

That was a freebie. My next bit of wisdom will cost you. (Just sayin'.)

 

[Webzcas]

There have been grumblings for a number of years that Curacao was going to have to get its house in order, with the Dutch government leaning on them to do so. This will be very interesting to see what pans out and what new developments get announced.

 

[dunover]

There have been grumblings for a number of years that Curacao was going to have to get its house in order, with the Dutch government leaning on them to do so. This will be very interesting to see what pans out and what new developments get announced.

We'll see how shiny they can polish the turd. I think they'll just end up rolling it in glitter.

 

[Webzcas]

Some interesting historical coverage we have given this here on Casinomeister:

Is Curacao really going to tighten Gambling Licensing Rules?

and five years ago from Jetset - Curaçao Changes Designed To Tighten Regulation Of Online Casino Operators

and two years ago the Dutch regulator the KSA took action against a Curacao operator: Dutch Regulator turns up the heat on Curacao Operators

Indeed a quick search of the main site returns stories covering possible changes on the cards in Curacao going back to 2016 and before.

However, this time I think something is most definitely in the works...

 

[Jono777]

Having quickly (skim) read and caught up with this thread, I do have one (very) important question I feel I need to ask, hopefully not embarrassing myself or indeed making myself sound stupid in the process.....

Here goes (braces)


If these changes go ahead, will I still be able to play Dead or Alive at Videoslots at 0.09p per spin?

Sorry, bored, tired, you know, the usual

 

[Webzcas]

I think a poll needs to be setup and Bryan to cover it on his weekly PM mailshot! ( Ref Dead or Alive at Videoslots at 0.09p per spin! )

 

[goatwack]

Yes, that's what we need, a poll.

Does the Netherlands' strong-arming Curacao into a centralized money pot affect UK players.......or anyone?

- No, just more of the same shit, re-skinned

- Cup 'o' cocoa isn't worth the leaf it's written on

- I'll still have to use cheat codes, just to play??

- What's a cryptoe?

- Hopefully I'll have my private details stored by some guys on Kokomo Beach, and those Viagra offers bulging my Junk Folder

- Screw your poll, we've just had Brexit

 

[satchnz]

We'll see how shiny they can polish the turd. I think they'll just end up rolling it in glitter.

Here’s hoping!

 

[satchnz]

and those Viagra offers bulging my Junk Folder

Nice double entendre.

 

[satchnz]

We'll see how shiny they can polish the turd. I think they'll just end up rolling it in glitter.

And if you think about it, the UKGC are doing the exact opposite of this.

 

[jasonuk]

Yes, that's what we need, a poll.

or in reference of the recent anniversary of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire... "but we don't want to give you that!"

Whether that refers to the UKGC giving you a playable product, Curacao cowboys stealing player funds, or something else... is up to you

 

[dunover]

Imagine your missus shagging the milkman, postman, Amazon delivery man, window cleaner (all separately) , stealing from your wallet, giving you a dose, crashing your car, not being able to even fry an egg then fucking off and screwing you for the house and maintenance while you live impoverished in a bedsit and then tell everyone who knows you both you have a chipolata for a penis.

Then one day she turns up on your doorstep wanting a second chance and saying she's changed and is a reformed woman.

Kind of the credulity level I have while reading this thread.

Conning
Unscrupulous
Recalcitrant
Asswipes
Condoning
Absolute
Outrages

 

[maxd]

... Kind of the credulity level I have while reading this thread. ...

I can't imagine anyone thought otherwise. I'm not sure what it is but you do somehow manage to get that message across.

I think the real issue here is not whether Curaçao is changing its spots but what impact the changes that are coming will have on players. For example, if the "no US" and "no crypto" proposals actually make it into practice then the changes for players could be non-trivial. I think this is where the question of the "alt" jurisdictions -- other licenses that disgruntled Curaçao license holders might move to -- becomes particularly significant. We'll have a lot more to say on that subject very soon.

 

[goatwack]

Crypto- the 'No questions asked' payment method favoured by tinpot casinos that prefer to avoid KYC altogether and actively lure gamblers based on the currency's anonymity.

Player migrations from pseudo-regulated Dump A to unregulated Dump B will still have the same end result, for those escaping their own (actually regulated) jurisdictions.

Crypto play will likely just run out of Banana Republics to support it.... yet those that do will inevitably stick out more than ever as places to be 'rather avoided'. Gone will be the notion of 'good' and 'they sort of pay, innit' Curacao casinos, as their trump card is removed from the deck altogether.

When even Curacao pretends to get its affairs in order, you know the game's over. When the music stops and you reach for that seat, it's scant consolation if all the chairs are covered in tramp's piss.

So if true and these rumours come to pass, why would anyone even care about Curacao and want to play there, or automatically seek out the next ropiest thing?