Curaçao Gaming Supervision Now Under Justice Ministry Authority

The Government of Curaçao has officially clarified that oversight of the island’s gaming industry now rests with the Minister of Justice, Shalton Hato, and not Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas. This announcement follows media and social reports suggesting the Prime Minister had taken ministerial control over the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), formerly the Gaming Control Board (GCB).

A government statement explained that the confusion arose after the GCB management provided the Prime Minister with a briefing on recent developments in the gambling sector, following the introduction of the new national gaming supervision law at the end of 2024. “It is incorrect to suggest that Prime Minister Pisas has ministerial authority over the Gaming Control Board,” the statement emphasized, noting that while he was updated on sector matters, he holds no formal responsibility for the regulator.

Transfer of Oversight and Legal Framework Changes

Until recently, the CGA operated under the Ministry of Finance. However, as of August 19, 2025, political supervision has been shifted to the Ministry of Justice. The government linked this change directly to the introduction of the Landsverordening op de Kansspelen (LOK), or the National Ordinance on Games of Chance. The legislation redirects regulatory focus from financial administration to law enforcement, compliance, and combating illegal gambling activities.

As a result, Minister Hato is now the primary authority responsible for regulating Curaçao’s gaming industry, overseeing both licensing and the integrity of operations within the sector.

Supervisory Board Resignations and Continuity

The CGA confirmed that its Supervisory Board resigned in mid-September, leaving the regulator temporarily without formal oversight. Despite these resignations, the CGA assured that day-to-day operations and supervisory responsibilities continue uninterrupted. The organization highlighted that all licensing and regulatory activities remain in progress, including the enforcement of the National Ordinance on Games of Chance, which became effective on December 24, 2024.

The outgoing commissioners—Shelwyn Salesia, Robert Reijnaert, and Ildefons Simon—stepped down amid political tension and uncertainty surrounding the regulatory authority. The government has initiated the process of appointing new members, ensuring that the authority’s operations remain stable.

Commitment to Transparency and Integrity

The CGA, which officially replaced the GCB under the new legislation, reiterated its commitment to upholding transparency and accountability across Curaçao’s gaming industry. “The Curaçao Gaming Authority remains dedicated to safeguarding the integrity and reliability of the gaming industry in Curaçao,” the regulator stated, affirming continuity in its oversight role.

The shift in political and administrative responsibility from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Justice, formally announced on October 13, 2025, reflects the government’s broader intent to prioritize compliance, law enforcement, and the fight against illegal gambling over purely financial supervision.

By clarifying ministerial responsibilities and ensuring regulatory operations continue uninterrupted, Curaçao aims to maintain confidence in its gaming sector during this period of administrative transition. Observers note that these measures help protect both the economic value of the sector and the island’s international gaming reputation.

Source:

“Government Clarifies: Responsibility for Gaming Sector Falls Under Justice Ministry”, Curacao Chronicle. Oct 14, 2025