Curaçao GCB Refutes Corruption Claims Amid Reform Debate
### Key Points at a Glance
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.
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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.
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Reform of the Gambling Sector in Curaçao
In July 2022, Curaçao introduced the new legal framework known as the “National Ordinance for Games of Chance” (LOK). The goal of this reform is to modernize and standardize the gambling sector. Initially, the implementation was planned to be completed by the end of 2023, but delays arose due to a high volume of license applications.
Since September 2023, all existing license holders are required to reapply for their licenses under the new system. This process demands stricter compliance measures, including comprehensive applicant reviews such as sanctions checks, business plan evaluations, and website assessments. According to the GCB, these measures aim to ensure that only reputable operators are granted licenses.
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Allegations of Financial Mismanagement
Faneyte also alleged that the licensing process is being exploited for money laundering. The GCB has also refuted this claim. It stated that all licensing fees are deposited directly into an official government bank account.
“There is no room for mismanagement. The claim that funds have been embezzled is therefore incorrect. Licenses are only issued by the GCB after payment has been received,” the statement read.
By utilizing secure and official payment channels, the GCB ensures that funds cannot be misdirected or misused. This approach is intended to guarantee transparency and accountability.
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Political Tensions in the Background
The allegations against the GCB are set against the backdrop of broader political tensions in Curaçao. As an opposition politician, Faneyte’s accusations may reflect dissatisfaction with the current government’s policies rather than being based on concrete evidence. In its statement, the GCB has reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and transparency in the licensing process.
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Our Assessment
The Curaçao Gaming Control Board appears determined to uphold the integrity of its licensing process. The introduction of stricter compliance rules and the emphasis on transparency are steps in the right direction. However, political tensions in Curaçao may influence public perception of these reform efforts. For operators seeking a license in Curaçao, it is crucial to fully understand and comply with the new requirements.