Popular offshore online casinos among gamblers (Suriname)

Context: "offshore" yesterday and rules today

Until 2023, the online segment in Suriname actually lived in the "gray zone," so some of the players used international sites. After 13 September 2023, a new framework is in place: online casinos can only be offered in Suriname under a local licence; offshore sites are prohibited from targeting country players without such a license (supervision - Gaming Control Board Suriname, GCBS). This is directly formulated in the relevant regulatory reviews of Suriname: a local license is required, offshore companies without it are illegal to offer services in the country.

Which offshore brands are most commonly "heard" in Latham/Caribbean

Below are brands that regularly appear in specialized news and analytics about Latin America and the Caribbean. Their "recognition" in the region does not mean legality in Suriname without a local license.

Stake - crypto-casino, actively expanding in Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Peru, etc.); operates under a Caribbean license and builds a regional presence.

1xBet is an international bookmaker/casino, systematically promoted in latam markets (including through industry events and awards).

bet365 is one of the most recognizable global betting brands; in the region is mentioned through local news verticals and applications adapted to the countries of presence.

Why they attract players

Large bonuses and promotions (promotions and freebets in aggressive marketing).

A wide range of games (live casinos, slots, betting, eSports).

Crypto payments and fast deposits/withdrawals (especially in crypto platforms).

Multilingualism and local campaigns (Latin America is the target region for expansion).

Where offshore comes from: the role of Caribbean licenses

Some of the largest international sites have historically operated (or are operating) under the license of Curaçao, a popular jurisdiction for online games. It is Kurasao licenses that are often found in global/" gray" projects, which industry and public sources regularly pay attention to. At the same time, Curacao itself is reforming the system and tightening supervision due to claims to offshore targeting in other countries.

What about local alternatives

In the online vertical in Suriname, the Suribet brand is widely known (sports/lotteries, local market, own points and application). This is an example of "white" brand positioning operating in the national legal field (see official showcase).

Offshore site risks for Suriname player

1. Legal risk. According to the current Suriname framework, offshore companies do not have the right to offer services to players in the country without a local license - disputes with such a site do not fall under the supervision of GCBS.

2. Weak consumer protection. Media and regulators from different countries directly point to the problem of some offshore projects, including cases of weak control, "thin" fines and controversial practices.

3. Marketing abuse. Inflated bonuses with hard wagers and opaque rules.

4. Payment risks and privacy. Delays, unstable KYC methodologies, questions about data processing.

How to distinguish a legitimate operator from an offshore (cheat sheet)

Check whether the operator has a GCBS national license (and matching details). Offshore companies without a local license in Suriname cannot legally offer services.

Caution with Kurasao "sublicenses." Their presence does not give the right to target Suriname players - it is the Surinamese license that is needed.

Look at marketing. Aggressive offers without clear conditions are a red flag.

Focus on local brands and public compliance communication (for example, Suribet and offline Ramada/Torarica clusters, where practices are transparent and verifiable).

Why It's Important to Update Content

There are sources online claiming that online games in Suriname are "unregulated." This contradicts more recent and detailed reviews: today there is a model in which online services are permissible only under a national license, and offshore targeting is prohibited. When preparing content, rely on current regulatory publications and operator/regulator pages.

Yes, high-profile offshore brands (Stake, 1xBet, bet365, etc.) often appear on the regional agenda - hence their "recognition" among some players. But for Suriname, the key rule is simple: only an operator with a Surinamese GCBS license is legal to play online. Everything else is offshore risk with potential problems of payments, protection of rights and compliance with the law.