WILLEMSTAD – The gaming industry in Curaçao is facing increased scrutiny amid questions over regulatory supervision, transparency, and the integrity of the sector’s oversight authority.
Recent developments have highlighted concerns about the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), the body tasked with enforcing the island’s modernised gambling law, known as the Landsverordening op de Kansspelen (LOK). While the LOK was introduced to bring stronger supervision, tighter licensing standards and greater compliance with international norms, ongoing controversy risks overshadowing the regulatory reforms.
Among the developments raising concern are signals that the Openbaar Ministerie Curaçao may be investigating the CGA for possible procedural irregularities and potential conflicts of interest. Officials have not confirmed the exact nature of the probe, but indications of an inquiry come as the College financieel toezicht (Cft) stressed in recent correspondence that integrity and transparency are essential to good governance – particularly in institutions handling high-value licences and associated revenues.
The Cft’s remarks noted unspecified “signals” suggesting integrity concerns within both the CGA and the Belastingdienst Curaçao, prompting calls for clarity from government authorities. The warnings underscore the importance of credibility in the gaming sector, which contributes significantly to Curaçao’s economy through licensing fees and related activity.
In response, the CGA has publicly denied awareness of any criminal investigation and has demanded clarification from government officials. Correspondence between the regulator and the Shalten Hato, who now holds political responsibility for gaming oversight, reflects tensions between regulatory bodies and the executive branch. A spokesperson from the Public Prosecutor’s Office has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of an investigation.
Industry groups have also entered the debate. The Curaçao Online Gaming Association has warned that negative publicity surrounding the CGA could harm both the online gaming sector and Curaçao’s broader international reputation. The association emphasised that cooperation between regulators and license holders had yielded productive progress, and urged stability and time for reforms to take hold rather than abrupt public criticism.
The situation comes amid broader efforts to bolster Curaçao’s gaming framework, including new fee structures, more stringent compliance requirements, and a phased transition away from the old master-licence system toward direct licensing and centralized oversight
As regulatory reforms continue, economic interests, legal processes, and questions about governance are intersecting in ways that could shape the future of one of Curaçao’s most valuable industries.
