Government opens public consultation on new gambling law on October 26

GREAT BAY--The Government of St. Maarten will open a public consultation on its proposed National Gambling Ordinance on Monday, October 26, giving residents, businesses and other interested parties until December 4, 2026, to provide their views on legislation intended to modernize St. Maarten's gambling industry and strengthen regulation of the sector.

The proposed National Gambling Ordinance, known in Dutch as the Kansspelenverordening, forms part of the broader Gambling Sector Reform being implemented under the Country Package. The initiative seeks to establish a sustainable regulatory framework with more effective licensing, supervision and enforcement, while improving player protection, integrity and transparency within the industry.

According to government, the consultation follows internal preparations, research into the gambling sector and earlier discussions with stakeholders. The public consultation is intended to identify practical concerns, improve the proposed legislation and ensure that the regulatory framework is appropriate for St. Maarten while remaining aligned with relevant international standards.

The consultation is open to everyone, and no invitation is required to participate. Residents, gambling operators, businesses, organizations and other interested parties will have an opportunity to examine the proposed legislation and submit comments or recommendations.

Beginning October 26, the draft ordinance, its Explanatory Memorandum and supporting consultation information will be available through the designated consultation website. The official legislative documents will be published in Dutch, with supporting English-language material provided to make the consultation more accessible.

Government explained that all submissions received will be registered, assessed and considered during the next stages of the legislative process. Depending on the feedback, changes may be made to the draft ordinance, its explanatory documentation or the proposed arrangements for implementing the new framework.

However, government emphasized that participation in the consultation does not guarantee that every recommendation submitted will be incorporated into the final legislation.

In addition to the public consultation, targeted stakeholder sessions will be organized between November 6 and 12, 2026. Relevant organizations will receive direct invitations, while other interested stakeholders may register their interest in participating through the consultation website beginning October 26.

Participation in these stakeholder sessions is separate from the general public consultation, and residents do not need to attend a session to submit their comments on the proposed ordinance.

Government stressed that the legislation remains in draft form. Once the consultation period closes on December 4, the submissions will be reviewed and assessed before the proposed ordinance proceeds through the remaining formal advisory and legislative procedures.

The proposed law represents another step in government's efforts to reform the gambling sector by establishing clearer regulatory requirements and strengthening the systems responsible for licensing, monitoring and enforcing compliance.

Consultation website: gamblingauthority.sx/consultationLVO

For additional information: Lucien Wilson, H2 Program Coordinator

Email: consultatie@gamblingauthority.sx

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