Key Moments:
- The National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LoK) transferred regulatory oversight from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Justice.
- Opposition members questioned the government about formal amendments, recent regulatory board resignations, and clarity in leadership.
- The Curacao Gaming Authority maintains that law implementation is progressing as scheduled despite political tensions.
Political Unrest Surrounds Gambling Law Rollout
Curacao’s parliament is currently experiencing heightened political tension as lawmakers raise concerns regarding the implementation of the newly passed National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LoK). Intended to modernize the nation’s gaming sector and enhance regulatory supervision, the law, enacted in December 2024, has led to debate over who holds authority as it is put into effect.
Regulatory Oversight Moves Between Ministries
A key issue fueling the debate is the shift of LoK’s regulatory responsibilities from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Justice. Opposition MP Suzy Camelia-Römer, from the Movementu di Pueblo (Movement for the People Party), has demanded clarity in parliament, asking the government when official amendments will be made to formalize the change in oversight and seeking explanation for a spate of resignations within the regulatory board.
Camelia-Römer pointed out that previous cautions regarding the Ministry of Finance’s authority to appoint both the Supervisory Board and Board of Directors of the Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) went unheeded. She argued that these decisions raise concerns about the law’s robustness and the integrity of its execution.
Questions About Leadership and Ministerial Control
Speculation has circulated that Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas took direct control of the CGA after recent board resignations. However, government officials have denied such claims, reiterating that oversight now lies with the Ministry of Justice. Authorities described the transition as “standard procedure” following the decision in August to move regulatory responsibilities. Nevertheless, the timing of the resignations has led to uncertainty and further questions among lawmakers about deeper disagreements inside the administration.
CGA Stresses Ongoing Progress
Amid these disputes, the Curacao Gaming Authority has stated that efforts to implement the new legislation remain on course. CGA’s Aideen Shortt previously told iGaming Expert, “The transfer of ministerial responsibility from Finance to Justice is a natural progression as Curaçao’s regulatory framework matures. Having built the legal and operational foundations for the new regime, the CGA is now focused on supervision and monitoring – areas that naturally fall within the Justice portfolio.”
This transition follows the resignation of Finance Minister Javier Silvania earlier in the month, which left a gap in the Ministry of Finance’s leadership. Despite this, the CGA continues its work under new ministerial oversight while parliament continues to demand clarity and transparency about the evolving regulatory landscape.
Oversight Shift Timeline
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| December 2024 | LoK passed by parliament |
| August (no year stated) | Decision made to transfer oversight from Finance to Justice |
| This month | Finance Minister Javier Silvania resigns |
Ongoing Calls for Transparency
As Curacao advances its regulatory reform, questions about leadership transparency and process adherence persist. While the government and the CGA assure stakeholders that progress is being made, parliamentarians and industry observers continue to monitor developments, seeking assurance that reforms will deliver on promises of greater accountability.
- Author
Daniel Williams
