Gaming Control Board Refutes Corruption Claims Amid Reform Debate in Curaçao

The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) has rejected allegations of corruption and mismanagement related to the reform of the licensing process. These accusations were made by opposition politician Luigi Faneyte, who claims that licenses were issued without legal basis. The GCB emphasizes that the process is conducted independently and transparently, with strict vetting procedures in place.

Allegations Against the Licensing Process

Luigi Faneyte, a politician from the Real Alternative Party, filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office on November 25. He accuses Curaçao’s Finance Minister Javier Silvania of unlawfully interfering in the licensing process. According to Faneyte, licenses were issued without a legal framework, allegedly causing financial losses to the region.

The GCB firmly denied these accusations. In a statement, the regulator explained that it independently manages all aspects of the licensing process. Since December 2019, the GCB has held sole authority to issue, amend, suspend, or revoke licenses. Political interference, according to the GCB, is not possible.

Curaçao is a constituent country of the Netherlands located in the southern Caribbean Sea. Along with Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao is part of the ABC Islands.

Requirements for applying for a permit on the basis of the LBH

The applicant for the license must be a legal entity that has been incorporated under the laws of Curaçao and has its registered office in Curaçao. Only applicants that do the following critical activities are eligible for a license:

• Player management: registration and verification of players,and
• funds management: engaging in financial transactions, manage players' funds (deposit and withdrawals), and create bonuses and other incentive.

The applicant should fill out and submit an Online Gaming License Application Form, a Business and Corporate Disclosure Form and a Personal History Disclosure Form for every qualifying person.