The Curaçao Gaming Control Board is reportedly considering revoking the license of online gambling operator BC.Game following recent allegations of bankruptcy and withholding player funds.
The company, which operates a casino and sportsbook, is the current front-of-shirt sponsor for Premier League club Leicester City FC.
According to several reports, a document from the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) indicates that Small Dance B.V., the operator behind BC.GAME, could have its license revoked.
In a lawsuit filed against the company by player advocacy network the Foundation for the Representation of Victims of Online Gaming (SBGOK), Small House B.V., has been accused of running illegal gambling services across Europe through a complex network of mirror sites and online guides. These sites allegedly offer detailed instructions on bypassing local regulations, with a particular focus on targeting users in countries like Germany, Denmark, and Switzerland, where possessing a local license is mandatory for legal operations.
In its defense Small House stated that when it acquired BC.Game from previous owners Blockdance, it did not assume the site’s debts. However, SBGOK noted that both companies shared common stakeholders. It also noted that player funds mostly disappeared during the takeover.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of two gamblers who say that the company owes them $2 million. This, in turn, led to a bankruptcy order issued on November 12th, 2024.
However, BC.Game disputes the claims.
In statement at the time of the bankruptcy ruling BC.Game said:
“We strongly disagree with the court’s recent rulings and will vigorously appeal the decision, as we believe it failed to adequately consider key facts. BC.Game is confident in our ability to demonstrate compliance and uphold our reputation as a legitimate operator in the industry.
We are evaluating the most robust options to safeguard the company’s continued operations and maintain strict compliance with industry standards. Our users’ trust and satisfaction are our top priorities.”
The GCB declined to comment on the specifics of the BC.Game case but clarified that the bankruptcy ruling is administrative in nature and not related to insolvency.
“A trustee has been assigned to manage the estate and oversee payments to players. The GCB is currently consulting with the regulated entity involved to assess and implement suitable regulatory actions.”
Curaçao Regulator Accused of Corruption
Curaçao’s Gaming Control Board has denied recent allegations of corruption, fraud, and money laundering within its gambling licensing reform process.
The accusations were brought forward by opposition politician Luigi Faneyte of the Real Alternative Party, who filed a report with the Attorney General’s office on November 25, claiming that gambling licenses were issued without a legal basis, resulting in financial losses.
In response, the GCB clarified that it holds exclusive authority over the licensing process, as mandated by the Ministry of Finance since December 2019. The Board emphasized that all license applicants undergo rigorous due diligence, including sanction screenings, business plan evaluations, and initial website assessments.
The GCB also refuted claims of financial mismanagement, stating that all licensing fees are paid directly into official government accounts, leaving no room for embezzlement.