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Rules and licensingData breach reveals secrets of offshore casino ownership in Curaçao
A security researcher gained access to private documents from the Curaçao Gaming Authority that expose how online gambling companies manage their licenses and ownership.
Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 22 September 2026
A security researcher accessed the internal portal of the Curaçao Gaming Authority for nine months. She registered as a fake company to bypass security measures and view confidential files. This action allowed her to monitor the regulator as it processed license applications and financial data.
Hidden ownership structures exposed
The leaked files contain sensitive information including passports and tax returns for hundreds of gambling operators. These documents suggest that many casinos hide their true owners behind trust offices. The breach shows that the regulator often approved licenses despite internal concerns about ownership transparency.
Questions regarding popular platforms
Evidence from the documents raises doubts about the corporate structure of major betting brands. Regulators had previously questioned if the listed owners of these companies were the actual individuals in control. These findings highlight the difficulty of tracking financial links within the offshore gambling industry.
Regulatory failures and future risks
The regulator allegedly granted access to the system with very little verification of the applicant. This lapse in security allowed a single person to view data for hundreds of licensed businesses. Such issues continue to cast doubt on the oversight provided by the island authority.
Bettors should be aware that the ownership and financial stability of offshore casinos may be less transparent than official records indicate.