Curacao Regulator Dismisses Reports of ‘Regulatory Chaos’, Confirms Operations Continue Uninterrupted

Reports of a crisis within Curacao’s gambling regulation framework have been overstated, according to the country’s gaming authority, which insists it remains “fully operational” despite a wave of online speculation following a recent administrative reshuffle.

Amid social media claims of “regulatory chaos” and a “power grab” after the resignation of the Supervisory Board of the Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA), the regulator has clarified that all licensing, compliance, and supervisory functions are continuing as normal under the new National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK).

Early online reports had described what they called an “explosive shift” in Curacao’s regulatory structure, alleging that Minister of Justice Shalton Hato had effectively taken over the CGA from the Ministry of Finance and that the departure of the entire Supervisory Board had thrown the authority into turmoil. The stories, which spread quickly across industry media, suggested that the island’s long-awaited gaming reform process had been derailed.

However, official statements from both the CGA and the Curacao government have since refuted those claims, clarifying that the events are part of a normal administrative transition rather than a regulatory breakdown.

The CGA, which previously operated under the Ministry of Finance, was formally moved under the administrative oversight of the Ministry of Justice on August 19, 2025 — a transfer that had been publicly announced months earlier. According to the government’s October 13 announcement, the shift was part of a broader restructuring effort designed to strengthen the link between gaming regulation, law enforcement, and compliance, particularly in areas related to anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gambling.

The Supervisory Board, a politically appointed oversight body for the CGA, resigned in mid-September following the transfer of ministerial responsibility — a move that the government said is standard practice when departmental mandates change. The process to appoint new members is already underway.

In a formal statement, the CGA confirmed that “the process to appoint new members by the government has already begun” and stressed that the development “has no impact on the performance of the CGA’s supervisory duties, including the continued implementation of the National Ordinance on Games of Chance.” The regulator further emphasized that “all licensing and supervisory activities continue uninterrupted.”

Much of the confusion appears to stem from a misunderstanding between administrative oversight and operational control. While the Supervisory Board’s resignation prompted speculation of institutional collapse, the CGA’s executive management and staff remain in place, and the regulator’s legal authority, enforcement powers, and statutory independence are unchanged.

A senior Curacao government source provided additional clarification, describing the Supervisory Board as “a bridge between the government and the Authority rather than a body involved in day-to-day regulation.” The source added, “When departmental mandates change, it’s very normal for political appointments to be reviewed or reshaped. Such processes are standard across all ministries and public bodies worldwide, and Curacao is no exception.”

Contrary to viral claims that the Minister of Justice had unilaterally seized control of the gaming authority, the Ministry now serves simply as the administrative home of the CGA, consistent with Curacao’s broader governmental structure. The regulator continues to operate as an independent entity under its own statutory framework, guided by the LOK — the comprehensive new law that replaced the old master license system and established modern standards for licensing, AML compliance, and responsible gaming.

For operators and industry participants preparing for license migration under the LOK regime, the CGA has reassured that the transition remains on schedule. The authority continues to process applications, monitor licensees, and develop the infrastructure required under the updated regulatory framework.

Responding to industry concern, officials reiterated their confidence in the system’s stability. “Supervision and governance within the CGA continue uninterrupted,” a government statement confirmed. “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 programs.”

The episode highlights the challenges jurisdictions face when undergoing regulatory reform, particularly in managing perception during periods of administrative change. Curacao’s move to modernize its licensing and compliance regime has been closely followed by the global iGaming sector, and while the shift in ministerial oversight was a routine government measure, it nonetheless provided an opening for speculation — amplified by the rapid spread of misinformation across digital platforms.

By fLEXI tEAM