Curaçao Gaming Regulator Faces Board Resignation Crisis

Key Takeaways:

• Curaçao Gaming Control Board (CGA) commissioners resigned en masse in September 2025, halting regulatory oversight in a key iGaming jurisdiction.
• Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas assumed interim control, appointing a new board amid calls for greater transparency.
• The upheaval risks delaying ongoing reforms, potentially impacting over 450 licensed operators worldwide.

The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (CGA), long a cornerstone for offshore iGaming licensing, plunged into disarray this week following the abrupt resignation of its entire board of commissioners in late September. Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas stepped in to appoint an interim board, citing the need for immediate stability in a sector generating approximately 40 million guilders annually for the island's economy. The mass exodus, which included key figures like chair Ludmila Garcia, stems from internal disputes over governance, funding, and the slow pace of promised reforms aimed at modernizing Curaçao's licensing framework to align with international standards.

This crisis unfolds at a pivotal moment for Curaçao, which has positioned itself as a gateway for iGaming casino operators seeking cost-effective entry into global markets, particularly in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The jurisdiction licenses around 450 operators, many of whom serve players in emerging markets like Brazil and India. However, the resignations expose deep-seated vulnerabilities: inadequate resources for enforcement, persistent money laundering risks, and criticism from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for weak anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. Pisas's intervention includes directives for the new board to accelerate the implementation of a land-based and remote gambling ordinance, originally slated for 2024 but delayed repeatedly.

For the iGaming industry, the implications are profound. Operators reliant on Curaçao licenses—often chosen for their affordability compared to Malta or Gibraltar—now face uncertainty over renewals and compliance audits. A prolonged vacuum could drive migrations to jurisdictions like Anjouan or the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, fragmenting the market and increasing costs for software providers and online casino payment processors. On the positive side, this shake-up may catalyze genuine reform, enhancing player protection and attracting investment from reputable firms wary of Curaçao's historically lax reputation. Stakeholders, including the International Betting Integrity Association, have urged swift action to prevent black-market proliferation, which already claims up to 20% of global iGaming activity.

The event underscores broader trends in iGaming regulation: a shift toward stricter oversight amid rising geopolitical scrutiny. In Europe and Asia, similar pressures are evident, with Italy's online casino's recent license fee hikes and the Netherlands' tightened renewal processes signaling a global push for accountability. For operators, this means investing in robust compliance tech, such as AI-driven AML tools from providers like Playtech or Every Matrix. Ultimately, Curaçao's turmoil could redefine offshore licensing, favoring agile players who prioritize ethical standards over short-term savings, fostering a more resilient industry ecosystem.

Sources:

https://www.igamingrepublic.com/curacao-gaming-authority-in-upheaval-as-entire-board-resigns/

https://xingbow.com/curacao-gaming-regulator-to-get-new-board-after-mass-resignation/