Cedric Pietersz Appointed as Managing Director of Curaçao Gaming Control Board

In a groundbreaking development, the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB) has named Cedric Pietersz as its new managing director, effective from February 1, 2024. This decision ushers in a new era for the gaming regulatory body, as Pietersz takes charge of overseeing all ongoing licensing activities governed by the National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard (NOOGH).

Cedric Pietersz brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously held various positions at the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten for over two decades. His expertise spans operational management, anti-money laundering measures, and regulatory compliance. 

Expressing his enthusiasm, Pietersz stated, "I am honored to join the Gaming Control Board at such a dynamic time. I am confident that together with the team and the Supervisory Board, we will strategically steer the GCB into a new era while delivering value to all stakeholders, including the minister of finance."

Fons Simon, Chairman of the GCB Supervisory Board, also shared his optimism about Pietersz's appointment, describing it as the start of a transformative era for the jurisdiction. Simon highlighted Pietersz's proven track record in the financial sector, emphasizing his strategic insight, regulatory diligence, and operational excellence.

Pietersz's appointment follows a week of confusion surrounding the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK) in Curaçao. False reports had circulated claiming that the LOK had been rejected by the parliament. However, this information was inaccurate. The LOK had been submitted to the parliament, as is customary with draft laws in Curaçao, and had undergone a review by the Council of Advice.

On January 3, 2024, the Council's response to the Ministry of Finance regarding the LOK was made public online. Although the phrasing of the response suggested that the law could not proceed to the parliament, it is now clear that these speculations were unfounded.