Curaçao Finance Minister: Gaming Authority (CGA) not investigated
The Finance Minister of Curaçao, Charles Cooper, publicly rejected claims that the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) was being investigated by the Public Prosecutor's Office. The clarification came after conflicting reports based on a letter sent by the Financial Supervision Board (CFT).
The CGA also firmly denied any investigation against it, stating that “it has not been contacted by the Public Prosecutor's Office and is not aware of any investigative process”.
The origin of the suspicions: a letter from the CFT
The claims arose following a communication dated November 27, in which the CFT mentioned alleged internal discussions related to integrity in the sector and referred to a supposed investigation into the CGA.
The letter warned about the need to preserve integrity standards within the government and noted that the CFT had received indications of debates between the CGA and the Tax Collector. It even stated that it understood the Public Prosecutor's Office would be conducting an investigation linked to the implementation of the National Gaming Ordinance (LOK).
However, Cooper described the document as “incorrect, unfounded, and extraordinarily careless”, according to Curaçao Chronicle, completely dismissing the truthfulness of those claims.
Tensions amid a process of gaming reorganization in Curaçao
The reports of investigations add further pressure on the CGA, which is in a transition period following the resignation in October of former Finance Minister Javier Silvania.
Silvania left office after being named in a forensic report, prepared by Luigi Faneyte, for alleged irregularities related to the issuance of online gaming licenses, including accusations of fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
As a result, the regulator’s responsibilities were transferred from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Justice, headed by Shalten Hato, who took on the task of advancing the implementation of the new gaming legislation (LOK).
Key reforms in the Gaming Authority
Since his arrival, Hato has promoted a modernization process that includes a thorough review of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system, criticized for potential biases favoring the industry.
Among the most notable reforms are:
- A ban on ADR providers from maintaining affiliate relationships or B2B agreements with operators.
- A prohibition on ADR officials providing services to companies licensed in Curaçao.
- Mandatory inclusion of independent lawyers in dispute resolution processes.
- Strict rules to avoid conflicts of interest.
- The CGA’s authority to dismiss any ADR body in case of non-compliance.
These changes aim to strengthen the impartiality of the system and reinforce confidence in the new regulatory framework.
Tags: Curacao, Curacao regulation, Curacao license, LOK Curacao