Curaçao’s gambling regulator has plunged into uncertainty after the entire Supervisory Board of the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) resigned in September. This development is a significant event for Curaçao.
According to local reports, Shelwyn Salesia, Robert Reijnaert, and Ildefons Simo, the three commissioners overseeing the CGA, stepped down simultaneously. The reasons remain unclear. However, sources point to growing tension over Finance Minister Javier Silvania’s proposed regulatory reforms, which are now effectively stalled.
Regulator in Disarray After Reforms
The CGA, formerly known as the Curaçao Gaming Control Board, underwent major restructuring at the end of 2024. The rebrand aimed to modernize operations and strengthen oversight after years of criticism and allegations of misconduct in Curaçao’s gaming sector.
As recently as July, the regulator reaffirmed its commitment to fighting illegal online gambling. However, the sudden mass resignation has thrown the agency into administrative chaos, leaving it without clear leadership or direction.
Currently, the CGA’s official status remains unconfirmed, as it has yet to appear in the country’s Chamber of Commerce register.
Political Fallout and Leadership Vacuum
Although the CGA falls under the Ministry of Finance, Minister Silvania has been absent from management meetings amid corruption accusations. Additionally, he is involved in a public dispute with senior civil servant Alfonso Trona. His position in government now appears increasingly unstable within Curaçao.
In the wake of the resignations, Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas has reportedly taken direct control of crisis management. He is stepping in to lead coordination efforts.
For now, all communications regarding the regulator are being handled through the Prime Minister’s office. This signals a period of direct government oversight as Curaçao’s gaming sector faces one of its biggest governance tests to date.
