WILLEMSTAD – A heated email exchange has triggered regulatory attention across multiple jurisdictions after a whistleblower accused a Curaçao-licensed online casino of illegally targeting players in restricted markets, including Portugal.
The complaint, submitted by an individual who claims to have gathered substantial evidence, was shared with authorities such as the Portuguese gambling regulator (SRIJ), the Curaçao Gaming Control Board, and the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The allegations focus on a gambling website operated by a company linked to Bets Entertainment N.V., alleging widespread violations of anti-money laundering (AML), responsible gambling, and licensing regulations.
According to the whistleblower, the casino in question not only accepted Portuguese players through its main website but also operated a mirror site (1red2.com/pt) that remained accessible in Portugal after the main domain was allegedly geo-blocked. The individual claims to possess video recordings and screenshots demonstrating that users could register with Portuguese credentials, make deposits through local payment providers, and even receive customer support in Portuguese—facts directly contradicting the company’s legal statements.
In a formal reply, the casino’s legal department insisted that access from Portugal is technically restricted and blamed any breaches on users circumventing blocks via VPNs or proxy tools, which they say are prohibited under the platform’s terms. The company emphasized that “no localized marketing, payment arrangements or active targeting of Portuguese players” has ever occurred, and it pledged to strengthen geo-restriction mechanisms further.
The whistleblower, however, dismissed these claims, asserting that no VPN was used and that Portuguese access was available by default. In several messages, the individual accused the company of lying to regulators and manipulating technical safeguards only after being exposed.
In addition to geographical violations, the whistleblower detailed a series of alleged internal abuses, including:
Predatory VIP management, where agents reportedly delay or block player withdrawals.
Fake bets and account manipulation, allegedly used to drain funds.
Neglect of Know-Your-Customer (KYC) requirements, allowing high-risk deposits with no proof of funds.
No enforcement of self-exclusion policies, which are a core tenet of responsible gambling standards.
Absence of license and compliance information on the mirror site.
Perhaps most concerning are allegations of power abuse and complicity within management, with internal staff reportedly unaware of the legality of their own operations.
The case now rests with the regulators, who are expected to assess whether the claims merit formal investigation or potential enforcement actions. If verified, the company could face severe sanctions, including license revocation and potential legal proceedings for violating AML and consumer protection laws.
This incident raises broader questions about the oversight of Curaçao’s online gambling sector, which has long been criticized for regulatory gaps and weak enforcement mechanisms. As the island works toward modernizing its gambling legislation and establishing a new independent regulator, such cases underscore the urgent need for stricter compliance, transparency, and international cooperation in the sector.
