Curaçao Gaming Authority Faces Scrutiny Amid Reforms
Curaçao’s gambling sector faced fresh uncertainty this week following reports suggesting the island’s regulator, the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), might be under investigation claims promptly denied by both the CGA and Finance Minister Charles Cooper.
What initially appeared to be routine oversight has evolved into a complex dispute between government entities and the Financial Supervision Board (Cft), raising questions about regulatory transparency, political alignment and the trajectory of Curaçao’s online gambling market.
A Controversial Letter Sparks Concern
The controversy began with a late-November letter from the Cft to Cooper. The communication highlighted alleged integrity concerns linked to the CGA and the Tax Collector’s office and claimed the Public Prosecution Service was reportedly reviewing the regulator. It urged vigilance over governance and financial compliance in Curaçao’s lucrative online gambling sector.
The CGA responded swiftly, stating it had not been contacted by prosecutors and denied any knowledge of an investigation. Cooper also dismissed the letter’s assertions, criticising the Cft for circulating inaccurate information, which amplified the perception of discord between Curaçao’s government and its oversight bodies.
Regulator in Transition
The CGA is currently undergoing structural reforms following the October departure of former Finance Minister Javier Silvania, whose exit followed allegations related to corruption and license management issues. Responsibility for the CGA has now shifted to the Ministry of Justice under Minister Shalten Hato, adding another layer of scrutiny amid ongoing regulatory changes.
Justice Ministry Implements Compliance Reforms
Minister Hato has moved quickly to strengthen the regulatory framework. Key reforms focus on Curaçao’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system, previously criticised for industry conflicts of interest. Under the new structure:
ADR bodies must sever commercial or affiliate ties with operators.
ADR officials are prohibited from providing B2B services in the gambling sector.
Independent legal oversight is mandatory in complaint adjudication.
Any conflict of interest triggers immediate CGA action.
These steps are aimed at closing long-standing loopholes and introducing greater accountability to a sector historically characterised by a permissive regulatory approach.
Looking Ahead
The dispute between Cooper and the Cft highlights broader tensions over the management and messaging of Curaçao’s gambling reforms. Whether the confusion reflects miscommunication or signals a future inquiry, the episode underscores the fragile balance regulators must maintain as the island seeks to rebuild credibility, tighten oversight and navigate political turnover.
For the CGA, the incident reinforces the challenges of positioning itself as a credible, transparent regulator in a market with heightened international scrutiny. The coming months will be pivotal for Curaçao’s regulatory reputation and the ongoing evolution of its gaming landscape.
