The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has confirmed that its entire supervisory board resigned in mid-September, but stressed that the development would not affect the regulator’s day-to-day operations or the implementation of the island’s new gambling framework, the Landsverordening op de Kansspelen (LOK).
Transition of Oversight to the Justice Ministry
In a statement issued this week, the CGA clarified that administrative responsibility for the gaming regulator had already been transferred from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Justice on August 19, 2025. The move, the government explained, aligns with the broader shift in Curaçao’s regulatory focus under the LOK – from financial management toward compliance, enforcement, and anti-illegal gambling measures.
Minister of Justice Shalton Hato now holds formal responsibility for gaming supervision. The government emphasized that while Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas was recently briefed on sector updates, he does not hold ministerial authority over the CGA or the broader gambling industry.
The clarification followed widespread media reports suggesting that Prime Minister Pisas had taken direct control of the CGA after meeting with its management team, sparking speculation over potential political intervention in gaming oversight.
CGA Denies Disruption to Licensing and LOK Implementation
Responding to public speculation, the CGA stated that all licensing, compliance, and regulatory activities remain “fully operational.” The authority confirmed that the process to appoint a new supervisory board is already underway and insisted that no interruption has occurred in its supervisory functions.
“The Curaçao Gaming Authority remains committed to ensuring the integrity and reliability of the gaming sector in Curaçao,” the regulator said in its official release.
The regulator further noted that the LOK, which was approved by Parliament in December 2024 and came into force shortly after, continues to be implemented without delay. The law replaced the long-standing “master license” system with a more structured licensing process requiring all operators to reapply under stricter standards.
Addressing Media Speculation
The CGA’s public relations advisor, Aideen Shortt, criticized what she described as “sensationalist headlines and fake-news articles” suggesting instability within the regulator.
“Despite sensationalist headlines and fake-news articles, there is no delay or deviation in the rollout of the LOK, and no disruption to the CGA’s licensing or compliance programmes,” Shortt said in a LinkedIn post.
She added that the resignation of the supervisory board was “an administrative process following government transition,” emphasizing that supervision, enforcement, and licensing activities “continue without interruption.”
Shortt also urged media outlets and readers to exercise caution against spreading “intended or unintended misinformation” about the regulator and its legislative rollout.
Political Tensions Surrounding the Resignations
According to reports from the Curaçao Chronicle, the resignations came during a period of political strain between Finance Minister Javier Silvania and other members of government. The prime minister’s meeting with CGA officials and the absence of Silvania at that session led to speculation that control of the authority had shifted toward the Prime Minister’s Office.
The CGA has since reaffirmed that it continues to operate independently under the Justice Ministry’s supervision, ensuring continuity in its mandate to regulate and license both local and international gambling operators on the island.
The government has not yet named replacements for the outgoing commissioners Shelwyn Salesia, Robert Reijnaert, and Ildefons Simon, but confirmed that the selection process is in progress.
LOK Reform Signals Regulatory Evolution
The LOK, passed by Parliament on a 13–6 vote, marks a significant reform for Curaçao’s gambling sector. It aims to strengthen compliance standards, reduce grey-market exposure, and align the island’s licensing framework with international best practices.
Finance Minister Silvania previously described the new law as “a safety net against offshore operators,” intended to modernize oversight and improve the island’s regulatory reputation.
Despite leadership changes and political debate, the CGA reiterated that both the licensing and supervisory frameworks under the LOK remain on schedule, signaling a continued commitment to transparency and sector integrity.
Sources:
Curaçao Gaming Authority Confirms Resignation of Supervisory Board, “Operations Continue Uninterrupted, curacaochronicle.com, October 15, 2025.
