Curaçao Introduces New Remote Verification Rules

The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA), together with the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) and the Financial Intelligence Unit Curaçao (FIU), has introduced new Provisions for Identification and Verification without Physical Contact.

The measures establish requirements for verifying customers remotely and are intended to strengthen Curaçao’s framework for anti-money laundering (AML), countering the financing of terrorism and countering proliferation financing.

Remote Customers Treated Like Face-to-Face Clients

Under the new provisions, customers verified remotely will be subject to standards comparable to those applied during face-to-face identification.

The framework is intended to support Curaçao’s alignment with European AML requirements and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) guidance. The changes also relate to broader objectives involving responsible gambling, player protection and financial integrity.

Curaçao previously relied on a master and sub-licence system that provided relatively straightforward market access but faced criticism over oversight and AML enforcement. International restrictions affecting some Curaçao-licensed operators followed concerns surrounding the jurisdiction’s regulatory framework.

Transition Period Set for Operators

The new provisions took effect on August 21.

Companies that do not currently operate remote onboarding systems must comply with the requirements before introducing such systems.

Operators already using distance onboarding processes have until May 1, 2027, to bring their systems into full compliance. During the transition period, existing systems may continue operating without structural changes if businesses can demonstrate that they are actively working towards compliance.

CGA Calls for Internal Reviews

The CGA has advised operators to review the new provisions carefully, assess their internal procedures and make the necessary adjustments to their systems.

The rules introduce a new regulatory framework for remote identification and verification, affecting how iGaming businesses operating under Curaçao's regime handle customer onboarding without physical contact.