Curaçao’s long-awaited gambling reform has hit a major setback following the mass resignation of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) Supervisory Board. The move has left the regulator without leadership at a critical stage of transition, while Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas has stepped in to assume direct control of the island’s gaming sector.
According to multiple reports, all members of the CGA’s Supervisory Board resigned in mid-September, creating a sudden power vacuum. The resignations come just months after the CGA was established to replace the outdated Gaming Control Board (GCB) and implement stronger licensing and compliance standards.
Prime Minister Pisas reportedly held meetings directly with CGA executives shortly after the board’s exit—without the participation of Finance Minister Javier Silvania, who had previously overseen gaming regulation. This unexpected move is widely interpreted as a political power shift, giving the Prime Minister’s office greater influence over one of the country’s key economic sectors.
Legal and Operational Uncertainty
The mass resignation has raised serious concerns about governance and the legal status of the regulator itself. Local media noted that the CGA has yet to appear in Curaçao’s commercial registry, which could complicate decision-making and licensing procedures.
The lack of an appointed board has left operators uncertain about whom to engage with on compliance and licensing issues. No official timetable has been announced for appointing new members or clarifying oversight responsibilities.
Reform at Risk
This turmoil comes at a crucial point for Curaçao’s gaming industry. The island is midway through implementing the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), a comprehensive reform designed to phase out the old sublicensing model and introduce direct, transparent regulation under the CGA.
With Minister Silvania—one of the main architects of the reform—now reportedly sidelined, observers fear the process could slow down or lose direction. Industry insiders warn that further delays could hurt Curaçao’s credibility as it seeks to align with international compliance and anti-money-laundering standards.
What’s Next for Curaçao’s iGaming Sector
The Prime Minister’s office has not announced new appointments or offered clarity on how pending license applications will be handled.
As global regulators and operators watch closely, the next few weeks will determine whether Curaçao can restore confidence and continue its modernization—or risk undermining years of reform efforts.
Sources:
https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/31575/prime-minister-takes-control-as-entire-curaao-gaming-authority-board-resigns
https://igaming-times.com/curacaos-gambling-regulation-in-turmoil-as-cga-board-resigns-and-prime-minister-takes-control/
