Criminal Probe Shakes Curaçao Gaming Authority Amid Regulatory Reform

Curaçao’s efforts to overhaul its online gambling regulations have hit a serious setback. The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), which oversees the island’s gambling operations, is currently under investigation for suspected integrity issues. The investigation, led by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM), has cast a long shadow over the ambitious reforms meant to bring transparency to Curaçao’s offshore gaming sector. This development has raised questions about the island’s ability to implement the new National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), which aims to modernize the industry and meet international standards.

Integrity Questions Emerge as CGA Faces Legal Scrutiny

Curaçao has long been a hub for online gaming, hosting thousands of operators that rely on the island’s gaming licenses. However, the gaming sector has faced growing criticism for its lack of oversight and the outdated master license system that previously governed it. The LOK was introduced in 2025 to replace this system, with the goal of creating a more structured and transparent regulatory framework. Yet, just as the CGA was expected to lead this change, the regulator itself is now under a criminal investigation.

According to a letter from the Curaçao Financial Supervision Board (Cft) issued on November 27, 2025, the CGA is being investigated for possible irregularities. While the exact nature of the suspected issues remains unclear, the investigation has sparked widespread concern about the effectiveness of Curaçao’s reforms. The Cft confirmed that the Public Prosecutor’s Office had initiated the inquiry, raising serious doubts about the CGA’s ability to meet the objectives of the LOK.

Uncertainty Following Leadership Changes

This investigation comes at a time of significant upheaval within the CGA. In September 2025, the regulator’s entire Supervisory Board resigned unexpectedly, leaving the agency without leadership. By October, Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas assumed control over the CGA, a move that shifted responsibility from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Justice. These changes have left many wondering whether the CGA can effectively oversee the industry and carry out its regulatory duties amidst such uncertainty.

This leadership crisis, combined with the ongoing investigation, has made many question whether the CGA can fulfill its mission to modernize the gaming sector. The CGA’s role was intended to restore integrity and transparency to Curaçao’s gambling industry, making it a more reliable jurisdiction for international operators. However, the current investigation threatens to derail these efforts and damage the island’s reputation.

Tensions in Curaçao’s Political Landscape

The investigation into the CGA is not the only political development raising alarm in Curaçao. In mid-October, Finance Minister Javier Silvania resigned after being embroiled in a corruption scandal. The fallout from his departure, including leaked audio of a public argument with the head of the Tax Receiver’s Office, has fueled concerns about corruption within the government institutions overseeing Curaçao’s gambling industry. These disputes have raised serious questions about the integrity of the bodies responsible for implementing the LOK.

The CGA itself has responded to the investigation by asking the government for clarification. In a letter sent to Justice Minister Shalten Hato, the CGA expressed surprise at the rumors of an ongoing investigation and requested confirmation of the matter. The regulator stressed the importance of maintaining public confidence in its operations, especially as it works to implement the LOK.

Looking Ahead: A Test of Curaçao’s Reforms

Curaçao’s gaming industry is at a crossroads. The island’s gambling sector has long been plagued by issues related to transparency and money laundering. With the introduction of the LOK, there was hope that the island could clean up its image and restore confidence in its regulatory system. However, the investigation into the CGA has complicated this effort, leaving many to question whether the promised reforms can be successfully carried out.

If the investigation uncovers significant problems within the CGA, it could undermine the credibility of the LOK and set back Curaçao’s efforts to position itself as a trusted jurisdiction for online gambling. On the other hand, if the investigation reveals no substantial issues, it could strengthen the case for the island’s regulatory overhaul. Either way, the coming months will be crucial for determining the future of Curaçao’s gambling industry and the success of the LOK.

Source:

Curaçao Gaming Authority Faces Investigation for Integrity Issues, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, December 2, 2025