Curaçao Gaming Regulation Transferred to Justice Ministry

In a recent development, the Government of Curaçao has announced a shift in oversight of the island’s gaming industry to the Minister of Justice, Shalton Hato. This decision was made clear following various media and social media reports suggesting that Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas had assumed ministerial control of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), previously known as the Gaming Control Board (GCB). The government's statement addressed this misinformation, clarifying that although Prime Minister Pisas had received a briefing on gaming sector developments, his role does not encompass ministerial authority over the regulator. The misunderstanding arose from the GCB management's update to the Prime Minister regarding new gaming supervision laws introduced at the end of 2024.

Transition of Regulatory Supervision and Legal Reforms

The CGA was traditionally supervised by the Ministry of Finance. However, as of August 19, 2025, the political supervision duties were formally transferred to the Ministry of Justice. This transition is linked directly to new legislation known as the Landsverordening op de Kansspelen (LOK), or the National Ordinance on Games of Chance, which aims to shift focus from financial oversight to enhancing law enforcement and curbing illegal gambling practices. This strategic move now places Minister Hato as the figurehead of gaming regulation, tasked with overseeing licensing and ensuring operational integrity within the industry. Despite the resignation of the CGA’s Supervisory Board in mid-September, the organization continues its regulatory duties without interruption, maintaining all licensing efforts and enforcing the National Ordinance on Games of Chance, which took effect on December 24, 2024. The government has started the process of appointing new Supervisory Board members to continue seamless operations.

Commitment to Integrity and Continued Operations

The CGA, under the new national gaming legislation, emphasized its dedication to maintaining the transparency and integrity of Curaçao’s gaming sector. A recent statement reaffirmed that "The Curaçao Gaming Authority remains dedicated to safeguarding the integrity and reliability of the gaming industry in Curaçao," highlighting the regulator's ongoing role in upholding the sector's standards. The shift in oversight from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Justice, announced on October 13, 2025, is part of a broader governmental initiative to emphasize compliance and law enforcement, moving away from a purely financial management approach. This adjustment aims to bolster confidence in Curaçao's gaming industry during these administrative changes, safeguarding the sector's economic impact and international reputation. Observers consider these regulatory adaptations as crucial for sustaining the island's standing in the global gaming market. Source: “Government Clarifies: Responsibility for Gaming Sector Falls Under Justice Ministry”, Curacao Chronicle. Oct 14, 2025 By GamesAndCasino