WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has clarified the limits of its independence, the role of external advisers, and the reasons it cannot publicly disclose information about every gambling license application or ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued under its "CGA Explains" information series, the regulator emphasizes that it must operate independently and objectively while remaining accountable under Curaçao law.
The clarification addresses several important aspects of the authority's responsibilities under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), which governs the licensing and supervision of online gambling operators.
According to the CGA, regulatory independence is essential to ensuring that decisions are based on legal requirements and established procedures rather than commercial, political, or other external interests.
However, the authority stresses that independence does not mean operating without accountability.
The CGA remains subject to the legal framework established in Curaçao and must function within the governance and accountability structures prescribed by law.
The regulator describes this balance between independence and accountability as fundamental to maintaining confidence in its decisions.
One issue addressed in the statement concerns the use of external specialists and professional advisers.
The CGA acknowledges that modern gambling regulation requires specialized expertise, technology, and systems capable of supporting increasingly complex supervisory responsibilities.
Like other public authorities and regulators internationally, the organization uses external service providers, technical specialists, and professional advisers to assist with certain aspects of its operations.
However, the CGA makes clear that obtaining outside expertise does not mean transferring its regulatory authority to private parties.
Decisions concerning the granting, refusal, suspension, or revocation of gambling licenses remain the responsibility of the CGA itself.
External specialists may provide technical assistance, professional advice, or operational support, but they do not assume the regulator's legal decision-making powers.
The distinction is important because Curaçao's online gambling sector involves companies operating across international markets, often with complex ownership structures, financial arrangements, and technological systems.
The regulator must therefore have access to appropriate expertise while ensuring that official decisions remain under its own authority.
Another major issue addressed in the statement is transparency.
The CGA acknowledges that members of the public may expect information about licensing decisions, investigations, and the conduct of individual gambling operators.
However, the authority explains that legal confidentiality requirements prevent it from commenting publicly on every matter under review.
These restrictions include obligations concerning privacy, commercially sensitive information, confidential business records, and ongoing supervisory activities.
As a result, the CGA generally does not comment on individual license applications, specific license holders, investigations, continuing regulatory reviews, or internal supervisory processes.
According to the regulator, these limitations are not intended to reduce transparency.
Instead, they are designed to protect fairness, due process, and the integrity of regulatory activities.
Disclosing sensitive information prematurely could interfere with supervisory procedures or conflict with legal obligations concerning confidential information.
The CGA therefore maintains that public accountability must be balanced against the need to protect information obtained through its regulatory work.
The authority also emphasizes that its responsibilities extend beyond issuing licenses.
Under the LOK, the regulator must supervise operators throughout their licensed activities, monitor compliance with legal requirements, and take appropriate action when potential violations are identified.
This requires the ability to assess information, investigate concerns, and make decisions without improper external influence.
The CGA's statement also highlights the importance of maintaining confidence in Curaçao's regulatory framework.
As the island continues implementing its reformed online gambling system, the effectiveness and credibility of the regulator will depend partly on its ability to demonstrate independence while exercising its powers within clearly defined legal boundaries.
The authority argues that the combination of independent decision-making, legal accountability, professional expertise, and confidentiality safeguards is necessary for effective supervision.
For gambling operators, the clarification reinforces that licensing decisions remain under the CGA's control, regardless of whether external advisers or technical specialists are involved in the process.
For the public, it explains why the absence of official comments about a particular operator or investigation should not automatically be interpreted as an absence of regulatory activity.
The CGA maintains that its role is to protect the integrity of Curaçao's gambling sector by applying the law objectively, supervising licensed operators, and ensuring that regulatory decisions are made through established legal procedures.