Nardy Cramm not allowed to Call Gambling Sub-Licensing ‘Illegal’

A major court ruling in Curaçao has rocked the island’s iGaming community—and defended press freedom in the process.

Dutch journalist Nardy Cramm, a vocal critic of Curaçao’s controversial sub-licensing gambling structure, has triumphed in a key legal battle. The court ruled that her characterization of the model as “illegal” was protected free speech.

This decision not only legitimizes long-standing criticism of Curaçao’s lax regulatory framework but also exposes deep flaws in its former licensing system. It sends a powerful message to whistleblowers, reformers, and industry players alike.

Explore how this landmark ruling may influence global perception of Curaçao’s gambling jurisdiction and why the sub-licensing era may never return.

Curaçao Court Confirms: Journalist Can Call Gambling Sub-Licensing ‘Illegal’ Without Reprisal

3 Key Points

• Court Defends Journalist’s Right to Critique. Nardy Cramm’s remarks calling sub-licensing “illegal” were ruled opinion-based and protected under freedom of expression.
• Curaçao’s Sub-Licensing Model Criticized. The court found that Cyberluck lacked sufficient oversight over sublicensees, aligning with broader regulatory concerns.
• Industry Impact as LOK Reforms Loom. The verdict reinforces the rationale behind Curaçao’s 2023 gambling reform (LOK), which abolished the sub-licensing model.

Curaçao Court Sides with Journalist in Landmark Gambling Licensing Ruling

In a decisive legal victory for press freedom and regulatory transparency, the Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the BES islands has ruled in favor of Dutch journalist Nardy Cramm in her long-standing civil case with Cyberluck Curaçao N.V. and associated entities.

The dispute centered around Cramm’s public denunciation of Curaçao’s controversial sub-licensing model, particularly under Cyberluck’s master license 1668/JAZ. Cramm had publicly labeled the system “illegal,” citing its lack of oversight and regulatory accountability.

On 20 May 2025, the appellate court concluded that Cramm’s remarks—published in various outlets including De Knipselkrant—constituted opinion grounded in fact, and were thus protected under the right to freedom of expression. The court emphasized the critical role of journalists in democratic societies as “public watchdogs,” stating:

“Cramm qualifies as a journalist. She acts in the public interest by critically addressing powerful institutions.”

The End of Sub-Licensing?

The court’s ruling comes on the heels of sweeping reforms under Curaçao’s LOK gambling legislation, which went into effect in late 2023. The LOK reforms phased out the sub-license model, which had long been criticized for creating a regulatory gray zone. Under the prior system, only a few master license holders—such as Cyberluck—were authorized by the government, while thousands of “sub-licensees” operated under their umbrella with minimal supervision.

The judges echoed these concerns in their verdict:

“It is sufficiently plausible that in practice it is impossible for a licence holder to properly supervise the activities of sub-licensees.”

They further stated that calling this structure “illegal” was a plausible and supported opinion, particularly since the sublicensing model contradicted the very goals of regulatory legitimacy and public benefit.

Failed Attempt to Silence a Critic

Cyberluck, led by director Angelique Snel-Guttenberg, along with Gouloud Hammoud and two trust service providers (GRS and G-Force), sought to silence Cramm by claiming defamation. They requested a retraction and daily fines for non-compliance.

However, the court struck down their claims, reaffirming that even sharp, potentially offensive commentary can fall within the bounds of journalistic freedom.

The verdict noted that Cramm’s naming of individuals in photos was proportionate and in the public interest. The court underscored that exposing the individuals profiting from an opaque regulatory system was not unlawful:

“This shadow economy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands has faces. This view is not unlawful.”

A Watershed Moment for Curaçao and iGaming Journalism

The court’s ruling is more than a win for one journalist. It is a powerful endorsement of media scrutiny, regulatory reform, and the need for transparency in global iGaming jurisdictions. Cramm’s legal victory legitimizes years of criticism directed at Curaçao’s now-defunct sublicensing regime and supports the push for a cleaner, more credible regulatory future under the LOK framework.

For gambling operators, regulators, and legal professionals, this case sends a clear message: free speech remains a cornerstone of accountability, even in the multi-billion-dollar online betting industry.

Curaçao’s transformation is far from over—but one thing is now settled: calling out the cracks in the system isn’t just legal—it’s essential.