The Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) has firmly rejected accusations of corruption and misconduct in its licensing reform process. These allegations, brought forward by opposition politician Luigi Faneyte of the Real Alternative Party, claim that gambling licenses have been issued improperly, leading to financial losses for the jurisdiction.
Allegations Against Licensing Reforms
Faneyte filed a report with the attorney general’s office on November 25, accusing Curaçao’s finance minister, Javier Silvania, of interfering with the licensing process. According to Faneyte, some licenses were issued without a legal basis, prompting concerns about corruption and mismanagement.
The GCB, however, insists that these allegations are unfounded. In a statement released on Friday, the regulator clarified that it manages all aspects of licensing independently. “The GCB has the authority to grant, amend, suspend temporarily, revoke, or deny responsibility to the board in December 2019, ensuring that the licensing process operates independently of political influence.”
Curaçao introduced its new regulatory framework, the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK), in July 2022. This framework aims to modernize and standardize the jurisdiction’s gambling industry. Initially scheduled for completion by the end of 2023, the process faced delays due to a surge in licensing applications. As of September 2023, all operators holding licenses were required to reapply under the updated system, which mandates stricter compliance measures.
The GCB has repeatedly affirmed that the licensing process is transparent and follows rigorous due diligence protocols. Applicants undergo extensive reviews, including sanction screenings, evaluations of business plans, and website checks. These measures, according to the GCB, ensure that only credible operators are granted licenses.
Addressing Claims of Financial Misconduct
Faneyte also alleged that the licensing process has been exploited for money laundering. The GCB firmly denied this, stating that all licensing fees are paid directly into an official government bank account. “There is no scope for mismanagement. The assertion that funds may have been embezzled is therefore not correct. Once the payment has been received, the license will be granted by the GCB,” the statement clarified.
The regulator also pointed out that these payment procedures eliminate the possibility of funds being diverted or mishandled. By requiring operators to make payments through secure, official channels, the GCB maintains accountability and transparency.
The accusations against the GCB come amidst broader political tensions in Curaçao. As a member of the opposition, Faneyte’s claims may reflect dissatisfaction with the current administration’s policies rather than concrete evidence of wrongdoing. The GCB’s statement aimed to address these allegations comprehensively, reaffirming its commitment to integrity in the licensing process.
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