Curaçao Gambling Licensing Reform Sparks Allegations of Fraud

Curaçao’s gambling licensing overhaul is under fire, facing allegations of fraud and corruption at the highest levels.
Claims of embezzlement, misconduct, and financial mismanagement target Finance Minister Javier Silvania and former MGA chief Mario Galea.
The allegations raise concerns about Curaçao’s gambling reforms and their impact on taxpayers and the industry.
Uncover the unfolding scandal and its potential repercussions for Curaçao’s gambling landscape.

Allegations of Fraud and Embezzlement Surface in Curaçao’s Gambling Licensing Shake-Up

Key Points

1. Serious allegations of fraud and embezzlement target Curaçao’s finance minister and gambling licensing reform architect.
2. The report cites corruption linked to provisional gambling permits and a bankrupt crypto casino, BC.Game.
3. The scandal could have wide-reaching implications, impacting Curaçao’s taxpayers and global gaming regulation.

Curaçao’s gambling industry, a hub for online gaming operators, is in turmoil following explosive allegations of fraud, embezzlement, and corruption. These charges, outlined in a 400-page report filed by opposition politician and forensic investigator Dr. Luigi Faneyte, target Finance Minister Javier Silvania and former Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) chief Mario Galea. The report, which was submitted to Curaçao’s Attorney General, accuses key figures of financial misconduct during the island’s recent gambling licensing overhaul.

Allegations Rooted in Licensing Reforms

The controversy centers on reforms introduced under the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK). Designed to replace Curaçao’s historic master license system, these changes aimed to modernize the gambling regulatory framework. However, the report alleges that provisional licenses, issued via a portal managed by Mario Galea, were riddled with corruption and unkept promises.

Dr. Faneyte claims that promises to hire 170 employees for the new regulator were fabricated. During a technical briefing in February 2024, Finance Minister Silvania allegedly admitted only 85 employees were planned.

BC.Game Bankruptcy Deepens the Scandal

The report’s release follows the bankruptcy of BC.Game, a crypto casino licensed under the new system. Declared bankrupt on November 12, 2024, BC.Game left behind debts of NAf15 million (€7.92 million). The bankruptcy stemmed from disputes over player claims and mysterious ownership structures.

Adding to the controversy, the holding company behind BC.Game allegedly transferred its license to a new entity weeks after receiving regulatory approval. This raised money laundering concerns and highlighted weaknesses in Curaçao’s licensing system.

Faneyte said:

“When crypto casino BC.Game was declared bankrupt, I realized the gravity of the situation. Enough is enough.”

Fraud, Mismanagement, and the Money Trail

Faneyte’s report alleges that individuals within Curaçao’s trust sector and Gaming Control Board (GCB) were complicit. The submission claims that millions in government funds are at risk, potentially leaving taxpayers liable for damages resulting from affected players’ legal actions.

One alleged investor, Mario Fiorini, reportedly provided trust services to BC.Game, raising questions about transparency in the licensing process. Additionally, Galea’s use of “Artificial Intelligence” to issue permits was criticized as unreliable and opaque.

Faneyte emphasized:

“This is a matter of tens of millions now, but it could grow into hundreds of millions if left unchecked.”

Political and Global Implications

The timing of the report, just months before Curaçao’s March 2025 elections, has fueled speculation of political motives. Faneyte’s PAR Party, which governed before Silvania’s MFK Party took power in 2021, has been vocal in its opposition to the gambling reforms.

Moreover, the scandal’s ripple effects could extend beyond Curaçao. Allegations of financial misconduct and money laundering practices may impact the island’s global reputation as a gambling hub.

Curaçao’s gambling licensing reforms were intended to modernize the industry and attract global operators. Instead, they have sparked a scandal involving allegations of fraud, embezzlement, and corruption. The fallout, marked by BC.Game’s bankruptcy and accusations against high-ranking officials, threatens to undermine trust in Curaçao’s regulatory system.

The allegations, if proven, could leave taxpayers liable and tarnish the island’s credibility as a global gaming jurisdiction. As investigations continue, the outcomes could reshape not only Curaçao’s gambling industry but also the international perception of its governance.

For now, Curaçao stands at a crossroads, facing a choice between restoring trust through transparency or risking long-term damage to its reputation. The stakes have never been higher.