Curaçao’s prime minister steps in to oversee gambling regulator
The recent shift in oversight of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) — with Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas now assuming control — signals a potentially significant change in how the island’s gaming sector is governed, especially amid ongoing political discord.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
🎰 What Happened?
- The entire board of commissioners of the CGA resigned in mid-September, leaving the regulator without formal supervisory leadership.
- Resigned commissioners: Shelwyn Salesia, Robert Reijnaert, and Ildefons Simon
- With no replacements appointed, the CGA now reports directly to the Prime Minister’s Office.
💡 Why This Matters
- Regulatory Stability at Risk
- The lack of a functioning board raises questions about governance, transparency, and oversight, particularly at a time when Curaçao is trying to reform its licensing regime to meet international standards.
- Reform Underway
- Curaçao has faced international pressure (e.g., from the Netherlands and FATF) to clean up its online gambling sector, which has been criticized for lax regulation and enabling questionable operators.
- A new licensing system is in the works via the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) — delays or governance issues could jeopardize this process.
- Power Shift Implications
- With direct reporting to the Prime Minister, the CGA could become more centralized and politicized, raising concerns about independence.
- This may also affect international trust in Curaçao’s gaming framework — crucial as it tries to position itself as a legitimate, modern gaming hub.
🔍 Next Steps to Watch
- Will new commissioners be appointed soon?
- How will this power shift impact ongoing licensing reforms?
- Will Finance Minister Silvania push back or reclaim authority?
- How will this affect Curaçao’s reputation among international regulators and operators?
⚖️ Bottom Line
Curaçao’s gaming regulator is at a crossroads — with its oversight now centralized under the Prime Minister amid political tension and reform pressure. The outcome will shape BDG Game and Curaçao’s standing in the global gaming industry.