Major Data Leak Reveals Owners of Curaçao-Licensed Gambling Operations

A major leak of internal documents has exposed the inner workings of Curaçao's largely opaque online gambling industry, according to a report by Follow the Money, a Dutch investigative journalism platform. Curaçao has long been one of the world's largest and most permissive online gambling licensing hubs, issuing licenses to hundreds of operators worldwide with minimal regulatory oversight. The leaked documents reportedly reveal how the industry operates behind closed doors, raising serious questions about transparency, enforcement, and potential misuse of the licensing system. Curaçao's gambling sector generates significant revenue for the island but has faced repeated international criticism for enabling operators linked to fraud, money laundering, and consumer harm. The Dutch government has been pressing Curaçao to reform its gambling regulations as part of broader concerns over the island's financial governance under the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This leak adds further pressure on Curaçao's government to overhaul its licensing framework, which critics say has gone largely unchecked for decades. The findings are expected to intensify scrutiny from Dutch and international regulators.

The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) announced on September 17, 2026, that it is raising its official lending rate ('beleningsrente') to 4.50%. The decision was made in response to an anticipated decline in foreign exchange reserves. The mandatory reserve requirement remains unchanged at 18.50%. The CBCS serves as the joint central bank for both Curaçao and Sint Maarten, and its interest rate decisions directly influence monetary conditions across both islands. Raising the official rate is a standard monetary policy tool used to support the stability of the Antillean guilder and manage capital outflows. The move signals concern about external financial pressures and aims to make holding local currency more attractive.

The Foundation for the Protection of Competition in Curaçao (FTAC) has taken action against the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) over exclusivity rules that are impacting local dive schools on the island. The regulations in question reportedly restrict dive schools affiliated with PADI from offering instruction or certifications through competing diving certification organizations. FTAC argues these exclusivity clauses limit fair competition in Curaçao's dive training market, which is a significant segment of the island's tourism economy. The authority's move signals a formal regulatory challenge, which could compel PADI to revise its contractual agreements with Curaçao-based operators. This case is particularly relevant for Curaçao given that scuba diving is one of the island's premier tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors annually. The outcome could reshape how dive schools on the island operate and which certification bodies they are permitted to work with. No immediate resolution has been reported, and the case is expected to proceed through regulatory review.