Curaçao Permanently Shuts Gaming Portal Following Major Cyberattack

Curaçao’s gambling regulator has confirmed that the online portal at the centre of last month’s high-profile data breach will not return to service.

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The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) is instead moving to a new regulatory platform, bringing an end to the system that played a key role in the jurisdiction’s 2023 gaming reform programme.

The decision follows the “Casino Secrets” leak, which exposed documents and ownership information linked to hundreds of gambling businesses operating under the Curaçao regime. The breach was carried out by white-hat hacker Lilith Wittmann, who disclosed extensive access to the regulator’s database and systems.

In an announcement issued on 7 October, the CGA said its “current online gaming portal will not be returned to service” and confirmed that the shutdown also marks the end of the service arrangements linked to the platform

The regulator said it is “taking the necessary steps to transition away from the current platform and the services associated with it, while ensuring continuity of its regulatory functions.”

Existing license holders not affected

Although the portal has been retired, the authority stressed that the move does not affect existing licence holders or its ongoing oversight of the market.

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According to the CGA, “The discontinuation of the portal does not affect the validity of existing licenses, the obligations of licensed operators, or the CGA’s ongoing regulatory and supervisory responsibilities.”

The regulator added that licensing, compliance, and supervision work will continue through alternative arrangements while an interim solution is put in place.

The change will also affect the jurisdiction’s digital seal system. The CGA said, “Given that the availability of the current digital seal will be affected, the CGA will shortly introduce an alternative mechanism through which operators can demonstrate that a domain is licensed by the CGA.”

Addressing the breach itself, the authority confirmed that its response remains ongoing. “The CGA also continues its efforts in response to the unauthorized access incident, including containment of the data leak, and remains focused on protecting the integrity of its regulatory functions and information assets.”

“We recognize that this transition may create challenges for operators and appreciate their cooperation and understanding during this period,” the regulator said.

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