Curacao CGA Publishes Crypto Guidance for iGaming Operators

New Rules for Crypto in Gaming Operations

The guidance covers all crypto activity linked to licensed operators. This includes deposits, bets, withdrawals, treasury use, and any group companies that support gaming operations. The CGA classifies cryptocurrencies as high-risk assets. Because of this, operators must improve monitoring systems and carry out stronger risk checks on the digital assets they accept.

The regulator also shows a preference for fiat-backed stablecoins over more volatile cryptocurrencies. These changes bring crypto activity more closely in line with Curacao’s anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing rules.

Limits on What Operators Can Do

The CGA has also set clear limits on crypto-related services. Licensed operators are not allowed to act as crypto exchanges, payment processors, or wallet providers. They also cannot offer trading, swapping, or custody services outside of normal gaming transactions.

Some activities are fully banned, including:

• Funds from sanctioned wallets

• Money linked to crypto mixers or tumblers

• Wrapped or bridged assets with unclear origin

• Personal wallets owned by staff or company owners

Players are also not allowed to send funds to each other inside casino platforms. 

Stronger Monitoring and Compliance Rules

Operators must now use blockchain tracking tools to monitor where funds come from and where they go. Wallet addresses must be checked when money is deposited and again before withdrawals.

For regulated crypto providers, the FATF Travel Rule applies: Providers of regulated cryptocurrencies must provide information on the sender and receiver, as required by the authorities, when transactions are made. The operator is responsible even if he/she uses third party services.

Rules for Privacy Coins and DeFi

The CGA also provides information on certain types of cryptocurrencies. The privacy coins, such as Monero, Zcash, Dash and Litecoin MWEB, need to be evaluated carefully. There are risks associated with meme coins like volatility, liquidity, and governance, which should be considered.

Self-hosted wallets and DeFi platforms are still allowed, but operators must confirm wallet ownership and apply extra checks when needed. Pooled wallets can also be used if transactions can still be traced to individual players.

Compliance Timeline Until 2027

Some restrictions, such as bans on mixers and certain wallets, are already in place. By September 2026, operators must submit a full crypto policy and rollout plan. By December 2026, they must complete risk checks, staff training, and wallet verification processes.

By June 2027, full compliance is required. This includes segregated player wallets, blockchain monitoring tools, and full transaction tracking systems. The CGA’s message is that crypto can still be used in licensed gaming, but only under much tighter controls, stronger monitoring, and full compliance with risk and transparency standards.