There are thirteen casinos on the island of Curaçao in the Netherlands Antilles and, according to the Gaming Control Board (GCB), gross gaming revenue in 2008 reached 284.5 million guilders (US$159.4 million), continuing the pattern of annual increases. The casinos must contribute towards GCB costs and the Treasury but funding has fallen short of the required amount, which has led to the GCB publishing a policy document that is now being criticised by casino operators.

The document proposes a higher percentage for permit fees for gaming machines than for gaming tables, on the grounds that the machines are a greater cause of problem gambling. It also proposes a 10 guilder (US$5.6) entrance fee for non-tourists, to discourage casino gambling by local residents. The casino operators’ association says that daily numbers games and the fortnightly national lottery cause more addiction than casinos. Problem gambling on the island is estimated at less than 1% of the population.

The casino association is to propose an audit-based system of gaming regulation to replace GCB employees at the present cost of 7.5 million guilders (US$4.2 million) each year. It will issue an alternative plan to safeguard the gaming industry, stating that the GCB policy document – drawn up without consultation with the casino association – is unrealistic and would be damaging for the tourism industry. (E-04.17.09)

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