WILLEMSTAD – A recent international investigation into illegal online gambling has renewed concerns about consumer protection risks linked to offshore gambling licences, including those issued in Curaçao.
In its 2025 report, the Gambling industry, Accreditation, Monitoring & Registration Service (GAMRS) describes how a large online gambling network, operating under the brand MyStake and related websites, allegedly targeted UK consumers without authorization, bypassing safeguards designed to protect players from addiction, fraud, and financial harm .
According to the report, the network operates through Curaçao-licensed entities Santeda International B.V. and Ryker B.V., while key operational control is exercised from outside the Caribbean. GAMRS estimates that billions of pounds in gambling activity take place annually through the network, largely outside any effective consumer protection regime.
Lack of Player Safeguards
The investigation highlights that players using unlicensed gambling platforms typically lack access to core protections that apply in regulated markets. These include enforceable self-exclusion systems, deposit and loss limits, responsible gambling interventions, independent dispute resolution, and safeguards for vulnerable players.
GAMRS warns that consumers who gamble on such platforms have little or no legal recourse if funds are withheld, accounts are closed without explanation, or unfair practices occur. In many cases, players are unaware that the sites they use operate outside the regulatory framework of their home country.
Why Curaçao Matters
While the GAMRS report does not accuse Curaçao authorities of direct involvement, it notes that Curaçao-issued licences are used as part of a broader offshore structure that enables illegal gambling networks to appear legitimate to consumers.
As one of the world’s most widely used online gambling licensing jurisdictions, Curaçao plays a significant role in shaping global perceptions of offshore gaming regulation. Investigations linking Curaçao-licensed entities to consumer harm abroad place additional pressure on the island to demonstrate effective oversight and enforcement.
Reforms Under Scrutiny
Curaçao has recently introduced major reforms to its gambling regulatory framework, including stricter licensing conditions, enhanced anti-money laundering requirements, and increased supervisory powers. Industry observers say cases such as the MyStake investigation will test how effectively those reforms are implemented in practice.
GAMRS concludes that consumer protection cannot be addressed solely at the level of national regulators in target markets. Instead, it calls for stronger accountability throughout the global gambling supply chain, including licensing jurisdictions, software providers, payment processors, and affiliate networks.
Growing International Expectations
As international regulators intensify efforts to combat illegal gambling, Curaçao faces growing expectations to ensure that its licences are not used to facilitate consumer harm or evade foreign laws. Failure to do so could lead to reputational damage, increased financial scrutiny, and reduced access to international payment and banking services.
The GAMRS report underscores that offshore licensing is no longer viewed as a neutral administrative function, but as a key component in the global fight against illegal gambling and consumer exploitation.