WILLEMSTAD - Nardy Cramm, chair of the Stichting Belangenbehartiging Gedupeerden Online Kansspelen (SBGOK), has filed a lawsuit against Governor Lucille George-Wout and Prime Minister Gilmar 'Pik' Pisas (MFK). The case, set for December 4, questions whether Finance Minister Javier Silvania (MFK) has the legal authority to issue online gambling licenses. 

Cramm contests the legitimacy of the minister’s actions, citing the Landsverordening buitengaatse hazardspelen (LBH), which stipulates that only the governor is authorized to grant licenses via a national decree. However, Silvania has previously argued that a legal opinion from WJZ supports the Gaming Control Board (GCB) in issuing licenses under its existing mandate. 

“This issue has far-reaching implications,” said Cramm, highlighting Curaçao's status as the oldest and largest global jurisdiction for online gambling. The island hosts thousands of gambling websites, with an annual turnover in the billions. She warned that unclear legislation surrounding license issuance risks leaving the sector in a legal vacuum. 

Cramm has demanded clarification from the ministers involved and has threatened further action if her inquiries go unanswered before the hearing. “If I do not receive any responses, I will assume you both choose not to respond,” she stated. 

The outcome of this case could set a precedent for Curaçao's online gambling industry, a cornerstone of its economy that faces increasing international scrutiny.