Curaçao Minister of Finance dismisses claims LOK was rejected in parliament

Curaçao Minister of Finance Javier Silvania has said the country’s proposed gambling regulation (LOK) has not been rejected by parliament despite media reports to the contrary late last week.

Some reports claimed MPs had rejected LOK, the regulatory framework which is set to drastically alter Curaçao’s position in igaming.

Media outlets reported that the Curaçao Parliament had rejected LOK on economic and reputational grounds – something which Silvania has moved to dispel.

The minister said: “It is inevitable that media reports about the evolving status will emerge – some of which will be in support and some critical of the intended legislative improvements depending on the leanings of the press and journalists.

“I fully respect this freedom of speech and will not be individually addressing every article or opinion that is published.

“However, I feel it is crucial to make two important points in this regard. First, amid this entire process we have been all too aware of a significant amount of misinformation, confusion and accuracy, and I strongly urge against the further propagation of unverified rumours or speculation.

“Full and accurate information can only be guaranteed when issued by either the Ministry itself or the Curaçao Gaming Control Board,” he added.

Additionally, Silvania confirmed that the current process of licence issuance had remained unchanged despite the progression of LOK.

Silvania also announced that representatives from Curaçao will be at the upcoming ICE trade show in London in February, where the minister said his team will “be available to discuss with the candour with which we have approached this project from the outset”.