WILLEMSTAD – MAN political leader Giselle Mc William is demanding the resignation of the director of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), arguing that a major security breach, the discontinuation of the regulator's licensing portal, and mounting controversies involving online gambling operators have seriously damaged Curaçao's international reputation.
Mc William says the situation has reached a point where immediate action is necessary to restore confidence in the island's gambling regulatory system and protect the future of the industry.
Her criticism follows an October 12, 2026, report by the Times of Malta, titled “Curaçao gaming regulator cuts ties with firm run by former MGA chief,” concerning the termination of cooperation between the CGA and a company associated with Mario Galea, a former head of the Malta Gaming Authority.
According to Mc William, the CGA confirmed on October 7 that its existing online licensing portal would be discontinued and that the associated services would end. She says the regulator has not adequately explained the reasons behind the decision.
The MAN leader is particularly concerned about the connection between the portal's discontinuation and an earlier security incident involving unauthorized access to confidential licensing information.
According to the information cited in her statement, the CGA confirmed that unauthorized access occurred between December 2025 and September 2026 through an account operating under a false identity.
International investigative journalists have reported that thousands of confidential documents were obtained, including passport copies, tax declarations, financial information, and internal assessments of gambling license applications.
Mc William warned that the exposure of such sensitive information could have long-term consequences for individuals, businesses, and Curaçao's international standing.
She also raised the possibility of compensation claims and legal proceedings arising from the incident, although the extent of any potential liability has not been established.
The political leader questioned how the security breach could have occurred within a system entrusted with highly sensitive personal and corporate information.
She further challenged the financial arrangements surrounding the licensing platform, alleging that substantial annual payments were made to the company associated with Galea.
Mc William referred to payments exceeding €10 million annually, but her statement did not provide supporting financial documentation establishing the amount or the precise contractual arrangements.
For Mc William, responsibility extends beyond the technical management of the portal.
She argues that former Finance Minister Javier Silvania bears political responsibility for the direction of Curaçao's gambling reforms, while the CGA's executive management must answer for implementation, supervision, and the protection of confidential information.
The controversy comes as Curaçao continues implementing its revised online gambling regulatory framework under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance, known as the LOK.
The legislation was intended to strengthen licensing standards, regulatory oversight, and international confidence in Curaçao's gambling industry.
Mc William argues that recent developments have instead exposed serious weaknesses in the system.
She also referred to controversies surrounding gambling operators associated with BlockDance, BC.Game, and Rabidi, citing bankruptcy proceedings and unresolved questions about corporate assets and regulatory supervision.
However, the existence of bankruptcy proceedings or financial disputes does not, by itself, establish wrongdoing by the regulator or the companies involved.
The MAN leader maintains that the accumulation of these incidents raises questions about the effectiveness of the CGA's oversight.
She believes that the director's resignation is necessary to demonstrate accountability and begin restoring international confidence.
Mc William also urged the responsible minister to take a more active role in addressing the crisis rather than waiting for the outcome of a possible forensic investigation.
According to her, an investigation should not become a reason to postpone management decisions that she considers urgently necessary.
MAN is calling for immediate measures to protect the industry's reputation, safeguard local employment, and prevent further damage to Curaçao's position in the international online gambling market.
The statement does not include a response from the CGA director or the minister responsible for the sector to the resignation demand.