CURAÇAO GAMING AUTHORITY ADDRESSES INDUSTRY CHALLENGES, SETS OUT THE JURISDICTION’S NEXT CHAPTER
WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO — May 28, 2026 — At the “Stronger Together: The Future of Gaming in Curaçao” event, co-hosted by the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) and CINEX, regulators and industry stakeholders met to review the ongoing transition of Curaçao’s gaming framework under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK).
Held at the YouMeet venue, the discussions centred on the practical realities of reform, the reputational challenges that continue to follow the jurisdiction, and the direction of the sector moving forward. Across the sessions, officials stressed that Curaçao’s next phase will be shaped less by legacy perception and more by the consistency of the regulatory framework now being implemented.
Moving Beyond Legacy Perceptions
A recurring theme throughout the event was the need to move beyond the long-standing image associated with Curaçao’s former sub-licensing system.
Speakers acknowledged that external criticism and outdated narratives still feature in parts of the international conversation. However, they noted that much of this commentary does not reflect the regulatory developments already underway.
The CGA reiterated that its focus is firmly on implementation rather than perception. In practice, this means building credibility through day-to-day supervision, enforceable rules, and a regulatory system that can demonstrate reliability over time.
Raising Standards Across the Sector
Significant attention was given to player protection, compliance, and the overall integrity of the licensing environment.
The CGA emphasised that player protection must be built into the structure of regulation itself, rather than treated as an operational layer added later. Clear obligations, consistent oversight, and enforceable standards were identified as essential to restoring and maintaining trust.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements were also discussed, with regulators noting that compliance frameworks must evolve alongside changes in payment technologies, business models, and operational structures. The aim, they said, is to maintain a balance between effectiveness and proportionality while ensuring standards remain robust.
Officials also highlighted the economic importance of the sector, pointing to its role in supporting employment, digital infrastructure, fintech development, and professional services within Curaçao.
The LOK Transition and Industry Alignment
The implementation of the LOK legislation was described as a structured, phased transition from the existing regulatory model toward a more formalised framework.
While acknowledging that such reform takes time, officials confirmed that the overall direction is set and supported across the relevant institutions and stakeholders.
This continuity underscores the strategic roadmap maintained by Minister of Finance Charles Cooper. Stepping into the file during a critical phase of institutional transition, Cooper’s approach has focused on stabilizing the jurisdiction’s regulatory apparatus while insulating the legislative rollout from external volatility.
Industry observers note that his willingness to defend the autonomy of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) while demanding rigorous structural compliance reflects a pragmatic vision: treating international alignment not as a concession to foreign critics, but as a calculated economic necessity for the island’s fintech future.
Looking Ahead
While officials noted that the transformation is still ongoing, the event reflected a clear shift toward a more structured and internationally aligned regulatory environment.
The CGA reiterated that long-term progress will depend on consistent enforcement, constructive engagement with the industry, and a shared commitment to higher standards.
Curaçao’s direction, they noted, is increasingly defined by implementation rather than intent, as well as by the steady development of a framework designed to support a more transparent and credible gaming jurisdiction.
