In the Caribbean Sea, on the small island of Curaçao, the gambling industry has deep roots. This island is known for its flexible legislative system and low taxes, making it an attractive destination for online casino licenses since the 1990s. However, as of September 1, 2023, there have been significant changes in the licensing process.
The changes involve the issuance of licenses in Curaçao, now handled directly by the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB). Organizations seeking licenses must meet an expanded set of requirements, including enhanced financial oversight and regular audits. Additionally, at least three key employees of the company must reside and work directly on the island.
These changes may impact online casino owners, as they will now need to interact directly with the GCB rather than obtaining sub-licenses from providers. This will also result in greater government oversight and increased time and costs associated with obtaining a license. Affiliates may also be affected as casinos registered in Curaçao may change their operating structure.
Currently, the gambling industry in Curaçao faces various challenges and uncertainties. Nevertheless, it remains attractive to players due to its history and low taxes. It’s essential to monitor further developments in this region as they could influence the global gambling industry.
The Current State of iGaming Worldwide
Interesting trends are emerging in the world of iGaming. Facebook is becoming a primary source of traffic, but webmasters are encountering bans and ad rejections. Tier-1 countries continue to be attractive to webmasters due to high rates. Australia, Italy, and Spain are currently leading and are expected to remain so in the near future.
Asia is gaining increasing importance in the market, particularly India, where the number of players is growing, and interest in gambling is strengthening. Anticipated traffic growth extends to Eastern Europe, including Poland, Romania, Moldova, and other neighboring countries that have not yet been actively explored by arbitrageurs.
Schemes are gaining particular popularity in Latin America, led by countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia. Other countries in this region are also actively entering the game, with Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay standing out among the most populous GEOs.
Overall, the gambling industry continues to grow and evolve, offering affiliates a wide range of markets and GEOs to work with. However, it’s crucial to pay attention to changes in legislation and regulation, as they can impact working conditions in this field.