WILLEMSTAD – The Netherlands has recognized Curaçao’s new National Ordinance on Gambling (Landsverordening op de Kansspelen, LOK) as a positive step forward. However, Dutch officials emphasize that its success will depend on effective implementation and a robust regulatory framework.
During discussions with Curaçao’s Minister of Finance, Javier Silvania (MFK), Dutch State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Zsolt Szabó (PVV) and Minister of Justice David van Weel (VVD) underscored the importance of combating money laundering and transnational criminal activities within the gambling sector.
Although the Netherlands provided input during the drafting of the LOK, Curaçao, as an autonomous country within the Kingdom, is not obliged to adopt all recommendations. Nonetheless, the Netherlands remains actively involved through knowledge-sharing initiatives, including support from the Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, Ksa). A biannual meeting will also be established to facilitate ongoing collaboration.
Key priorities moving forward include transparency and enhanced cooperation to address criminal activities in the sector. This approach aims to ensure that the new legislation not only strengthens Curaçao’s regulatory environment but also bolsters international confidence in its gambling industry.