How to distinguish a fake casino from a legal one in Curacao

How to distinguish a fake casino from a legal one in Curacao

Why license verification is important

A Curaçao license alone does not guarantee perfect protection, but having a genuine permit from the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) or master licensee raises the chance that the casino will operate according to the rules. Fraudulent sites often fake the license number or logo of the regulator, so verification is required.

Step 1. Verify License Number

Legal sites indicate the license number in the footer or in the "About Us "/" Terms & Conditions" section.
Format - most often "8048/JAZ" + year of issue and master license ID.
If the number is missing or only the logo without text is indicated, this is the first alarm.

Step 2. Follow the link to the slider

At an honest casino, the license logo is clickable and leads to the official website of GCB or the master licensee.
If the link is inoperative or leads to the inside page of the casino, a fake is likely.

Step 3. Check in the official register

Go to the official Curaçao Gaming Control Board website.
Enter the operator name or license number in the search.
Verify:
  • Company name.
  • Domain.
  • License status (Active/Suspended/Revoked).

Step 4. Domain and Company Analysis

Use WHOIS to verify domain registration date - sites that are too recent are often associated with scammers.
Check the legal name with what is indicated in the license.
Check the company's address - fake casinos either do not have it, or copied from other sites.

Step 5. Signs of a fake casino

1. Lack of documents and contacts - no information about the owner and regulator.
2. Aggressive bonuses without restrictions are too generous conditions without clear rules.
3. Absence or rejection of KYC - scammers often avoid verification, but can block an account when withdrawing.
4. Slow or canceled payments - systematic delays.
5. Fake game providers - slots imitate well-known manufacturers, but run on an unknown platform.

Step 6. Reputation check

Read reviews on independent resources and forums (AskGamblers, Casino Guru).
Watch the casino's reaction to complaints - legal operators respond and resolve disputes.
Check for blacklists of sites specializing in exposing scammers.

Features for Australian players

Access to offshore casinos with a Curacao license is possible, but disputes will have to be resolved only with the Curacao regulator.
If the operator is not in the official register, it will be almost impossible to return the money.
Australian banks and payment systems can block transactions with suspicious sites.

How to act when a fake is detected

1. No deposit.
2. Take screenshots of all pages with a "license."
3. Report a violation to the Curaçao Gaming Control Board.
4. Warn other players on the forums.

Conclusion:
  • You can distinguish a fake casino from a legal one under a Curacao license by checking the license number, checking the data in the official register, analyzing legal information and reputation. This is especially important for Australians, as offshore disputes are more difficult to resolve than with local operators.