WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has introduced stricter requirements for the terms and conditions (T&Cs) of licensed online gambling operators, expanding obligations around transparency, player protection, and financial transactions.
The updated policy, announced on April 8, 2026, requires operators to revise their T&Cs to include detailed provisions on account closures, inactive accounts, payouts, refunds, and the handling of cryptocurrency transactions. Operators have until October 8, 2026, to comply with the new rules.
Under the updated framework, operators must clearly outline how players can close their accounts, including the steps involved, processing times, and confirmation procedures. Additional requirements apply to dormant accounts, with operators now obligated to define inactivity criteria, potential consequences such as suspension or closure, and how players will be notified.
The CGA also requires operators to make reasonable efforts to contact players before taking action on inactive accounts. Any fees associated with dormant accounts must be transparent and proportionate.
A key focus of the policy is financial transparency. Operators must provide a full overview of deposit and withdrawal methods, including expected processing times. Withdrawal rules must also specify identity verification requirements, particularly when transactions exceed €2,000.
The updated rules place additional emphasis on cryptocurrency transactions. Operators must clarify how they handle scenarios such as token delistings, blockchain forks, and restricted wallet addresses. Refunds are generally required to be processed through the same method used for deposits, unless this is not feasible, in which case a clearly defined alternative process must be provided.
The policy also introduces stricter guidelines for handling betting errors, software issues, and event cancellations. Operators must define how such situations are identified and resolved, including refund procedures.
In addition, the CGA is tightening rules around bonuses and payouts. Terms related to bonuses must be clear and accessible, and only players who have accepted the conditions can participate. Operators are also required to specify under which circumstances winnings may be withheld or payouts denied.
The updated requirements extend to currency use, obliging operators to explain how bets and payouts are handled across different currencies, including cryptocurrencies. Any non-withdrawable funds, such as bonus balances, must be clearly indicated.
Failure to comply with the new policy will be treated as a breach of licensing conditions and could result in sanctions, including suspension or revocation of licenses.
The changes are part of broader reforms under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK), which came into force in December 2024. The updated rules are intended to strengthen oversight of the gambling sector and increase trust in Curaçao’s online gaming industry.
For operators, the new policy requires a comprehensive review and restructuring of their public terms and internal processes. For players, the CGA says the changes should result in clearer rules, improved protections, and greater transparency across the market.