WILLEMSTAD – Finance Minister Javier Silvania is facing heavy criticism over alleged irregularities in the issuance and renewal of gambling licenses. Journalist Nardy Cramm has openly questioned both the minister's authority and that of the Gaming Control Board (GCB), arguing that their actions lack a legal basis, which could seriously damage Curaçao’s reputation.
Cramm specifically challenges the validity of the sublicense held by Cbet.gg, the gambling platform of AK Global. She demands proof that the 365/JAZ master license, on which this sublicense is based, was legally renewed after August 18, 2008. Additionally, she calls for evidence that this license grants oversight powers over sublicense holders like AK Global and asks whether this information has been published in official government records.
Questions Over the Minister’s Authority
Beyond individual cases, Cramm questions the overall authority of the minister and the GCB in granting and revoking gambling licenses. According to the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Chance (LBH), she argues that only the Governor holds this authority. She insists that Silvania must present official documentation proving that a legal decision was ever made to delegate this power. Without officially published mandates, she claims the minister’s authority is invalid.
Cramm also highlights a lack of transparency regarding legal opinions that supposedly justify the minister’s and the GCB’s powers. She specifically asks why critical legal advice—such as the WJZ opinion from March 13, 2023—has not been made public. According to her, failure to release these documents would render the minister’s and GCB’s claims of authority legally unfounded.
This is not the first time Cramm has demanded this documentation. So far, she claims, the minister and the gambling sector have dodged the issue—leading her to suspect that the requested documents do not exist.
Crisis Sparked by AK Global Bankruptcy
The renewed scrutiny over gambling licenses comes after the recent bankruptcy of AK Global, the parent company of Cbet.gg. The collapse of this gambling company has drawn international attention and raised serious concerns about Curaçao’s gambling sector. Critics argue that the lack of transparency and regulation has put the country’s reputation at risk.
Cramm believes the AK Global case is symptomatic of deeper problems within the industry, particularly the absence of regulatory oversight. She warns that if the minister fails to provide answers, the gambling licenses issued by the government should be considered “fake licenses”—a revelation that could undermine trust in Curaçao’s government and damage its international credibility as a gambling jurisdiction.
Minister Silvania Responds
Minister Javier Silvania has dismissed the allegations, calling them “fake news” in an interview with the local Dutch newspaper Antilliaans Dagblad. He maintains that AK Global never received a license from the GCB and never applied for one. However, he acknowledges that for the past 30 years, Curaçao’s gambling industry lacked proper regulation.
Silvania claims that significant reforms have been implemented under his leadership to improve oversight. He insists that new legislation will prevent future issues and strengthen Curaçao’s gaming sector. The minister also urged critics to stop spreading negativity, arguing that baseless accusations harm Curaçao’s international reputation.
Deadline for Proof
Cramm has given Minister Silvania until tomorrow to present the requested documents. If he fails to do so, she argues that the media should report that the government-issued gambling licenses may be illegal and that the government itself is spreading false information.