The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has introduced a detailed cryptocurrency policy framework for holders of its business-to-consumer (B2C) gambling licences, marking the next step in the jurisdiction’s ongoing regulatory reform efforts.
Effective from June 2026, the guidelines establish new requirements covering the full lifecycle of crypto transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, wallet management, treasury operations and transaction monitoring.
The rules apply not only to licensed operators but also to affiliated entities involved in handling digital assets.
Under the new framework, operators may continue to accept cryptocurrencies as a payment method for gambling activities but will be prohibited from acting as cryptocurrency exchanges, custodians or virtual asset service providers (VASPs).
The regulator has also mandated the use of blockchain analytics tools capable of screening wallets, assessing transaction risk and monitoring deposits and withdrawals.
The guidance places particular emphasis on asset controls and transparency. Fiat-backed stablecoins are identified as the preferred digital assets, while privacy coins, meme tokens and certain wrapped assets will require additional risk assessments and may be excluded where appropriate.
Operators must also maintain strict separation between player, operational and treasury wallets, while personal wallets and those linked to ultimate beneficial owners will no longer be permitted for business use.
The rollout will follow a phased timeline. Operators must submit compliant crypto policies within three months, complete risk assessments, due diligence processes and staff training within six months, and achieve full compliance by June 2027.
The CGA said the measures align with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards, including principles promoted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The regulator has also reserved the right to accelerate implementation should significant compliance risks emerge.
The new crypto guidelines arrive against a turbulent backdrop for the CGA. As reported previously, the regulator was left without a supervisory board in October 2025 following the resignation of all three commissioners, temporarily placing the authority under the direct oversight of Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas.
More broadly, ongoing questions have been raised about the CGA's direction, legal authority and reputation, with a number of scandals involving Curaçao-licensed operators drawing international scrutiny.
The new framework explicitly prohibits operators from accepting funds linked to sanctioned blockchain addresses, crypto mixers or tumblers
