LOK Archives

The gaming authority of Curaçao is now under direct oversight from Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas following the resignation of the entire supervisory board in mid-September. Local media report that the newly formed Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has been left without its top governing body only months after beginning operations under a modernized gambling framework. Good to Know All three commissioners of the CGA resigned in September 2025. The regulator now reports directly to the office of the prime minister. The CGA was formed under the Landsverordening op de Kansspelen (LOK) law adopted in December 2024. The departing commissioners Shelwyn Salesia, Robert Reijnaert, and Ildefons Simon stepped down shortly after the authority became active, leaving a leadership gap. Following their resignation, Pisas met with CGA management to discuss the state of the gambling sector. Finance Minister Javier Silvania, under whose ministry the regulator formally operates, was absent from the meeting, while government adviser Caryl Monte attended in his place. Reports indicate that all communication with the CGA is now being handled through the office of the prime minister, though the authority remains legally under the Ministry of Finance. No replacements have been appointed for the commissioners, leaving the regulator without a supervisory board for the time being. Reform Delays and Political Strain The CGA was established under the LOK gambling law, intended to replace the former Gaming Control Board and phase out the long-standing master and sub-license system. The reform requires all operators to apply directly for new licenses to strengthen compliance and regulatory oversight. Although the new structure officially took effect in July 2025, administrative delays and political friction have slowed implementation. The CGA has also faced criticism for not yet appearing in the Chamber of Commerce registry despite identifying itself publicly as a foundation. Tensions inside the ruling MFK party have added further complications. Finance Minister Silvania has faced pressure due to disputes with senior civil servant Alfonso Trona and allegations of misconduct. The PAR opposition party has requested an investigation into the matter. Economic Stakes and Uncertain Future The gambling sector of Curaçao remains one of the largest contributors to public finances, generating an estimated €20–€30 million (around $23–$34 million) annually, equal to more than 40 million in Netherlands Antillean guilders. However, international watchdogs continue to criticize the jurisdiction for weak anti-money laundering controls and insufficient player protection. The LOK reforms were designed to address those issues through transparent licensing and stricter monitoring. Yet, the current power transition and absence of a supervisory board have created uncertainty about when these changes will take full effect. For now, the CGA is continuing day-to-day operations under interim administrative management. Observers are waiting to see whether direct control by the prime minister will speed up or further delay the modernization of gambling regulation in Curaçao.

LOK

Prime Minister of Curaçao Takes Control of Gaming Authority After Board Exit

Curaçao’s Finance Minister Defends First Direct Gambling License