The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has made a surprising decision by removing BC.Game’s parent company, Small House B.V., along with Rabidi N.V., from its list of revoked licenses. This unexpected move has sparked industry discussions about the potential return of these operators, possibly under revised business frameworks.
BC.Game, known as a crypto casino and previously associated with the Premier League club Leicester City, has faced significant regulatory challenges over the past two years. The company preemptively withdrew its license from Curaçao, citing an increasingly inhospitable environment for international enterprises. This decision, compounded by its current bankruptcy proceedings—which some insiders believe may soon be reversed—has fueled speculation about a possible comeback.
Amid these developments, attention is also turning to other licensing jurisdictions such as Anjouan. Reports indicate that European money laundering watchdogs are increasingly focusing on the island’s regulatory practices. BC.Game opted for Anjouan licensing after its exit from Curaçao, a move that has only added complexity to its situation.
Ownership disputes have further complicated BC.Game’s trajectory. When the former parent company, Blockdance, transferred assets to Small House B.V., it failed to account for outstanding liabilities. Plaintiffs in Curaçao argue that Small House B.V.’s continued operations obligate it to settle the debts claimed by players. Legal battles over millions in alleged debts persist, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing the brand.
The ripple effects of BC.Game’s controversies were felt in the UK by late 2024. The bankruptcy and sponsorship links led to heightened scrutiny, with UK gambling minister Baroness Twycross hinting at potential restrictive measures on white-label sponsorships.
Simultaneously, Curaçao is actively working to fortify its regulatory framework. The CGA has sought public input on proposed regulations mandating licensed operators to establish physical offices on the island and employ key personnel residing locally. The suggested amendments to the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) also require operators to collaborate with certified mediators to resolve outstanding player grievances. These initiatives represent a departure from Curaçao’s previous regulatory stance, aiming to ensure greater accountability and economic contribution from gambling entities.
For BC.Game, which recently secured two licenses in Kenya with plans to expand across Africa, the removal from Curaçao’s canceled list might signal a fresh opportunity to rebuild stakeholder confidence. However, whether this development marks an active return to the Curaçao market under the new regulations or is merely a procedural update remains uncertain.
The regulatory landscape in Curaçao is undoubtedly shifting, with potential implications for operators like BC.Game considering their next steps. While the removal from the canceled list provides an appearance of regulatory reprieve, the underlying challenges and evolving compliance expectations suggest a complex path forward.
Industry experts speculate that BC.Game’s strategy may involve leveraging its recent advances in the African market while cautiously navigating the renewed regulatory environment in Curaçao. As one observer noted, the evolving rules could serve as both a challenge and an opportunity for operators committed to maintaining legitimacy and trust within the global gambling sector.
Conversely, critics of the CGA’s actions argue that removing companies from the canceled list without clear transparency or criteria could undermine regulatory credibility. They suggest that such moves might inadvertently signal leniency, potentially inviting riskier behaviors from operators seeking to exploit regulatory gaps.
As the industry scrutinizes these developments, BC.Game and similar operators must weigh their options carefully, balancing the risks of re-engagement in traditional markets with the pursuit of growth in emerging territories. The next steps taken by the CGA, alongside responses from operators, will likely shape the future dynamics of the Curaçao gambling market and its global interactions.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
