WILLEMSTAD – Former Minister of Finance Javier Silvania is rejecting claims made by current Finance Minister Charles Cooper regarding payments to Random Consulting and the implementation of Curaçao’s new online gaming regulatory framework.
Silvania said the reform of the online gaming industry through the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) was one of the most significant changes in the history of Curaçao’s gambling sector.
According to Silvania, when he became Minister of Finance, the online gaming industry was facing international criticism because the previous system allowed private parties to control licensing without direct government supervision.
He stated that implementing the LOK required the creation of a new regulator, a modern licensing framework, digital licensing systems, compliance procedures, responsible gaming standards, anti-money laundering controls and new technical infrastructure.
Silvania disputes Cooper’s statement that Random Consulting receives ANG 8.3 million annually. He referred to a statement from Random Consulting’s CEO indicating that the company received a total of €3,426,406 from 2022 until now, figures that are reflected in annual accounts filed with the Malta Chamber of Commerce.
Silvania also disputed Cooper’s statement that the LOK has been in effect for three years, pointing out that the legislation entered into force on December 24, 2024.
He further explained that under the LOK, online gaming license payments are divided into two separate payments: one paid to the Ministry of Finance and another paid directly to the Curaçao Gaming Authority for regulatory supervision.
According to Silvania, the CGA supervision fee is not government revenue but a statutory financing mechanism that allows the regulator to perform licensing, monitoring, investigations, enforcement and operational duties.