Cedric Pietersz to Lead Curaçao Gambling Regulation Revamp

Cedric Pietersz to Lead Curaçao Gambling Regulation Revamp

Cedric Pietersz, a seasoned expert with 20 years of financial sector experience, is set to revolutionize Curaçao’s gambling regulation landscape as the CEO of the Curaçao Gaming Control Board.

Join us in unveiling this transformative era.

Navigating the Future of Curaçao’s Gambling Industry

Cedric Pietersz is slated to take the reins as the new CEO of the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB), with his tenure set to commence on February 1. This significant appointment, announced by the regulator’s Supervisory Board, signifies a pivotal moment in the realm of gambling regulation within Curaçao.

With an impressive career spanning two decades at the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten, Pietersz has amassed a wealth of experience in diverse roles, including managerial positions. His expertise encompasses regulatory matters and anti-money laundering practices, which will prove invaluable as he shoulders the responsibility of steering the implementation of Curaçao’s National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK). This ambitious initiative is poised to reshape the Caribbean island’s burgeoning igaming sector.

In his official statement, Pietersz expressed his deep honor in joining the Gaming Control Board during this dynamic juncture. He exuded confidence in the collaborative efforts of the team and the Supervisory Board, emphasizing their strategic capabilities in ushering the GCB into a new era. Importantly, Pietersz underscored his commitment to delivering substantial value to all stakeholders, including the Minister of Finance.

Fons Simon, Chairman of the Curaçao Gaming Control Board Supervisory Board, lauded Pietersz’s appointment as a catalyst for a transformative era. Simon commended Pietersz for his outstanding track record in the financial sector, highlighting his distinctive blend of strategic foresight, regulatory prudence, and operational excellence.

The fate of Curaçao’s proposed new gambling legislation, LOK, still hangs in the balance as the Curaçao parliament deliberates its approval. However, proactive measures are already in motion. The Curaçao Gaming Control Board initiated the process by opening its portal for license renewals in September and subsequently commenced the acceptance of submissions on November 1.

To facilitate the transition to the new regulatory framework, the Ministry of Finance has issued notices to current licensees, delineating crucial milestones. Of note, the registration of existing sub-licenses and applications for direct licenses will cease on March 31. Sub-licensees failing to meet this deadline will be ineligible to operate beyond that date.

Beginning March 31, the transition to the new framework under provisional licenses will exclusively be available to direct license holders. However, ongoing applications will persist. Operators wishing to continue their operations but failing to apply for direct licenses by March 31 will be restricted to operating under their sub-licenses until either the master license expires or the LOK becomes effective. At that juncture, they must initiate applications under the new legislative framework.