WILLEMSTAD - The resignation of Finance Minister Javier Silvania marks a potentially catastrophic setback for Curaçao’s long-awaited gambling regulation overhaul. As the chief architect and political champion of the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) framework, Silvania’s departure leaves the ambitious reform agenda without clear leadership at a critical moment.
The development follows the mass resignation of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) board, which had already exposed deep institutional tensions within the regulatory system. With both the political sponsor of the reform and the entire supervisory board now gone, Curaçao’s efforts to rebuild credibility as a modern, compliant iGaming jurisdiction face a serious credibility crisis.
For an emerging regulator already under scrutiny from international partners, the loss of key leadership figures in rapid succession is a major blow. Industry stakeholders had placed high hopes on a smooth transition to the new LOK licensing regime, designed to replace the outdated master license system with a transparent, accountable, and internationally aligned framework. That process now appears to be in jeopardy.
The turmoil has also exposed signs of an internal power struggle within the Pisas government, with reports suggesting that the Prime Minister’s office initially sidelined the Finance Ministry before clarifying that responsibility for gambling regulation would shift to the Justice Ministry. This apparent lack of coordination raises concerns that political maneuvering, rather than coherent policy, is shaping the direction of reform.
As a result, hundreds of online gambling operators—both existing licensees and new applicants under the LOK—are now facing mounting uncertainty. Key questions remain unanswered, including when a new CGA board will be appointed, how the licensing process will proceed, and whether the government remains committed to enforcing stricter compliance, anti-money laundering, and player protection standards.
Ultimately, this governance crisis threatens to derail Curaçao’s bid to evolve from a controversial offshore licensing hub into a respected, well-regulated iGaming jurisdiction. The original promise of the LOK—greater transparency, accountability, and international trust—is now overshadowed by doubts about the government’s ability to execute its own reform.
Observers warn that unless the Pisas government acts swiftly to restore stability, appoint credible regulatory leadership, and reaffirm its commitment to the LOK’s core principles, Curaçao risks permanently damaging the global reputation and long-term viability of its gambling license regime.
