WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has expressed growing concern over the increasing number of illegal lotteries operating on the island, warning that they create unfair competition for licensed operators and expose consumers to unnecessary risks.
The issue was discussed during a recent meeting between the gaming regulator and licensed lottery providers, where operators raised concerns about the impact of unauthorized lottery activities on the local market.
According to the CGA, licensed lottery operators invest significant time and financial resources to comply with Curaçao's legal and regulatory requirements. Illegal operators, however, bypass those obligations, allowing them to compete unfairly while undermining confidence in the sector.
"The presence of illegal lotteries places legitimate businesses at a disadvantage and damages the integrity of the industry," the regulator said.
Beyond the impact on licensed operators, the CGA stressed that tackling illegal lotteries is also essential for protecting consumers.
Players who participate in licensed lotteries benefit from government oversight, which helps ensure that drawings are conducted fairly and transparently while providing safeguards for participants. Those protections do not exist when people purchase tickets from unauthorized lottery operators.
The gaming authority warned that consumers who participate in illegal lotteries have no guarantee that prizes will be awarded fairly or that the games are conducted according to established rules.
To address the problem, the CGA announced that it will strengthen cooperation with all relevant stakeholders in an effort to combat illegal lottery activities, protect licensed operators and promote a fair and well-regulated gaming market on Curaçao.
The authority did not specify what additional enforcement measures will be introduced but emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the island's lottery sector and ensuring that consumers can participate in games of chance with confidence.