Curaçao Gaming Shake-Up: Prime Minister Pisas Steps In as CGA Board Resigns and Justice Ministry Takes Control
Curaçao’s iGaming world woke up to a seismic shift this week. The entire Supervisory Board of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) resigned in mid-September, leaving the newly established regulator without leadership. In quick succession, the government confirmed that responsibility for the gaming sector now falls under the Ministry of Justice, signaling a realignment of political and regulatory power within Curaçao’s evolving gambling framework.
A Sudden Exit Leaves the CGA Leaderless
According to Gambling Insider, commissioners Shelwyn Salesia, Robert Reijnaert, and Ildefons Simon tendered their resignations simultaneously, effectively dissolving the CGA’s Supervisory Board. The move left the regulator—created only months ago to replace the former Gaming Control Board (GCB)—in a state of uncertainty during the crucial rollout phase of the new National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK).
In response, Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas reportedly met directly with CGA management to discuss the regulator’s direction and the continuity of oversight. Finance Minister Javier Silvania, under whose portfolio the CGA legally falls, did not attend. Instead, government adviser Caryl Monte represented the administration—an absence widely interpreted as a sign that control of the sector may be shifting from Finance to the Prime Minister’s Office.
While the CGA technically remains under the Ministry of Finance, insiders suggest that in practice, all communication and strategic direction now route through the Prime Minister. For a regulator still building its operational foundation, the sudden change in governance adds another layer of uncertainty.
Government Clarifies: Gaming Oversight Under the Justice Ministry
Soon after the resignations, the Government of Curaçao released a statement clarifying that responsibility for the gaming sector lies with the Ministry of Justice. The announcement, reported by Curaçao Chronicle, reframed the conversation: the gaming regulator’s ultimate accountability appears to be moving toward a legal and enforcement-driven ministry rather than one focused on fiscal policy.
Historically, Curaçao’s iGaming oversight was anchored in the Finance Ministry through the GCB. By repositioning oversight under Justice, the government signals an intention to align gaming regulation more closely with areas of law enforcement, anti-money laundering (AML), and compliance supervision.
This change mirrors global trends, where regulatory integrity and crime prevention increasingly outweigh revenue considerations in gaming policy. However, it also raises key questions about operational independence and political balance between Curaçao’s ministries.
Implications for Operators and Stakeholders
- Short-term uncertainty: With no Supervisory Board in place, licensing reviews, enforcement actions, and policy decisions could face delays until new appointments are made.
- A more legalistic tone: The Justice Ministry’s involvement may herald a shift toward stricter enforcement, enhanced AML/CFT scrutiny, and more formalized dispute-resolution mechanisms.
- Potential for reform acceleration—or pause: The LOK reform program remains Curaçao’s pathway toward international recognition and regulatory credibility. Whether these political changes accelerate or stall implementation will depend on how swiftly new leadership stabilizes the CGA.
- Operator relations in focus: For license holders and applicants, communication channels may change. Keeping compliance documentation current and engaging proactively with both CGA and Justice representatives will be essential during the transition period.
A Defining Moment for Curaçao’s Gaming Future
Curaçao’s gaming overhaul was always going to be complex. But with the Prime Minister stepping in, the Finance Minister sidelined, and the Justice Ministry assuming control, the dynamics have shifted from administrative reform to political theatre.
What happens next will define not just the future of the Curaçao Gaming Authority, but also the island’s global standing as a credible, well-regulated iGaming jurisdiction.
As ever, GamingLicense.com will continue monitoring the developments and their impact on operators, service providers, and compliance professionals navigating Curaçao’s rapidly changing landscape.
