WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Online Gaming Association (COGA) has stepped into the growing controversy surrounding the recent remarks made by the Board for Financial Supervision (Cft), warning that the public dispute is harming both the island’s online gaming sector and Curaçao’s international reputation.
The issue stems from a newly published Cft report, which states that the Public Prosecution Service (OM) is conducting an investigation into the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA). The CGA has since stated that it had no knowledge of any such investigation, while the OM has neither confirmed nor denied the claim.
Minister of Finance Charles Cooper (MFK) responded strongly in a formal letter, expressing irritation with the Cft’s statement and arguing that the supervisory body should not involve itself in criminal matters. Cooper has demanded that the Cft retract the passage in question, but no correction has yet been issued.
COGA now warns that the ongoing public dispute is creating unnecessary uncertainty around the newly established regulatory authority, at a time when Curaçao is working to modernize and legitimize its gaming framework under the Landsverordening op de Kansspelen (LOK). According to the association, speculation and conflicting public statements risk undermining confidence among international operators and partners.
As of today, the Cft has not responded publicly to the criticism or to Cooper’s request for rectification, leaving unanswered questions about how the disputed reference made its way into the report.
The situation continues to fuel debate in the sector, which plays a significant role in Curaçao’s economy and is undergoing major regulatory reform aimed at increasing transparency, compliance, and international credibility.