WILLEMSTAD – Political party MAN is calling for a comprehensive restructuring of Curaçao's online gambling regulatory system, including transparent public procurement, greater participation by local technology companies, and direct government control over the collection of gambling license fees.
The proposals were presented by MAN leader Giselle Mc William amid growing controversy surrounding the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), its licensing infrastructure, and the handling of confidential information belonging to gambling operators and applicants.
Minister Hato visits the Curaçao Gaming Authority
Mc William argues that the current situation demonstrates the need to reconsider how Curaçao manages an industry that has long played a prominent role in its international business sector.
Her concerns intensified following reports that the CGA would discontinue its existing online licensing portal and end its relationship with a company associated with Mario Galea, the former head of the Malta Gaming Authority.
The development was reported by the Times of Malta on October 12, 2026.
According to Mc William, the decision raises questions about the government's dependence on foreign service providers and the transparency of contracts awarded for the management of essential regulatory infrastructure.
She argues that the process of selecting a provider for any replacement licensing platform should be conducted through an open and transparent public tender.
Such a process, she says, would allow qualified companies and technology specialists based in Curaçao to compete for contracts and participate directly in the development of the island's gambling regulatory infrastructure.
Mc William criticized what she described as a system that creates employment opportunities abroad while failing to deliver the promised benefits for Curaçao's workforce.
She specifically questioned whether the financial arrangements surrounding the existing platform had generated sufficient economic value for the island.
According to the MAN leader, former Finance Minister Javier Silvania had presented gambling reforms as an opportunity to generate additional government revenue and create employment.
She argues that the expected benefits for local workers and public services have not materialized as promised.
Mc William also linked the issue to earlier political discussions about using gambling-related revenue to support social programs, sports, culture, and improvements to the General Old Age Pension (AOV).
Her statement did not provide detailed revenue figures or employment statistics to establish how the reforms have performed against those expectations.
Beyond procurement and employment, MAN wants a clearer separation between the regulator's supervisory responsibilities and the financial administration of licensing revenue.
Mc William argues that the CGA should concentrate on evaluating license applications, supervising operators, and enforcing regulatory requirements.
At the same time, she believes payments collected through online gambling licenses should flow directly into the government's treasury.
The proposal is intended to strengthen public accountability over money generated by the industry.
The MAN leader also wants a thorough review of the licensing system following reports of unauthorized access to the CGA's online portal between December 2025 and September 2026.
The reported breach involved sensitive documents submitted by gambling businesses, including personal identification records, financial statements, and internal regulatory assessments.
Mc William says the incident demonstrates why Curaçao must strengthen data protection and ensure that companies entrusted with confidential information are subject to appropriate oversight.
She warned that failures in regulatory supervision can affect more than gambling operators. Employees, customers, business partners, and the country's international reputation may also suffer consequences.
MAN believes the government should establish a transparent process for developing a replacement licensing platform, with clear contractual conditions, independent oversight, and meaningful opportunities for local participation.
Mc William insists that Curaçao must move beyond promises of reform and demonstrate that its gambling regulatory framework can provide effective supervision, protect confidential information, and generate tangible economic benefits for the country.
The party is calling on the responsible minister to assume direct responsibility for addressing the problems and restoring confidence in the sector.
The CGA has indicated that a new licensing system is expected, but the statement from MAN does not provide a confirmed implementation date or details of the procurement arrangements for the replacement platform.