Concerns arise over Gaming Control Board's recent local license award
WILLEMSTAD - Steven Croes, a Member of Parliament representing the PAR party, has voiced apprehensions following media reports regarding the Gaming Control Board's issuance of an initial Gaming License to a local company. Croes highlights that the Landsverordering Op de Kanspelen (LOK; Gambling Lands Ordinance) was deliberated upon on January 9, 2024, during a Central Committee meeting. During this session, Parliament conveyed that the legislation was not ready for approval, taking into account observations from the Council of Advice. A "Technical Briefing" has been scheduled in the forthcoming weeks to further explore the matter.
In light of these circumstances, the PAR MP presented the following queries to the Minister:
Given that the LOK has not received approval, what legal grounds justify the issuance of the Gaming License to this local company?
Does the Minister have intentions to persist in granting licenses without the endorsement of the LOK?
With what objective did the Minister authorize this license?
What ramifications will be faced by this company or other entities if the LOK fails to secure approval from Parliament?
Is the Minister cognizant that granting this license has prompted numerous questions and misunderstandings within the sector, exacerbating existing confusion?
Croes says he is urging the Minister to furnish a copy of the granted license, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved.