Public consultation on National Gambling Ordinance opens 26 October

Government of St. Maarten will open public consultation on its draft National Gambling Ordinance, known in Dutch as the Kansspelenverordening, on Monday 26 October. Comments from residents, businesses, gambling operators and other interested parties will be accepted through 4 December 2026, according to government.

The draft ordinance is part of Gambling Sector Reform under the Country Package. Government said the proposed law is intended to set rules for licensing, supervision and enforcement in the gambling sector, as well as player protection, integrity and transparency.

From 26 October, the draft ordinance, its Explanatory Memorandum and consultation information will be available at gamblingauthority.sx/consultationLVO. Government said the formal legislative documents will be published in Dutch, with supporting material in English.

Government said submissions will be registered, assessed and considered during the next stages of the legislative process. Feedback could lead to changes to the draft ordinance, its explanatory documents or proposed implementation arrangements, though government said participation does not guarantee that recommendations will be included in the final law.

Targeted stakeholder sessions are scheduled for 6 to 12 November 2026. Relevant organisations will receive invitations, while other interested stakeholders may register through the consultation website from 26 October. Government said residents may submit comments without attending a stakeholder session.

After the consultation closes, submissions will be reviewed before the draft moves through remaining advisory and legislative procedures, according to government.