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iGaming Licenses Exposed: What Kahnawake, Anjouan, Tobique, and Curaçao Are Really Offering

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The European online gambling market is set for significant growth, with projections indicating an increase from $52.30 billion in 2024 to $88.16 billion by 2029, reflecting an annual growth rate of 11.01%. Curaçao has long been a key player in this market and has recently undergone regulatory changes. Meanwhile, alternative jurisdictions such as Kahnawake, Anjouan and Tobique are increasingly drawing the attention of operators.

 

Regulatory changes in Curaçao

 Many operators have traditionally opted for a Curaçao licence due to its accessibility and straightforward process, especially during the initial stages of operation. However, with the recent overhaul of the Curaçao licensing system, this ease of access has diminished. Operators now face a more rigorous licensing and monitoring process by the Curaçao Gambling Control Board, which is increasingly prioritising safe and responsible gambling practices.

 

Legal challenges for Curaçao-licensed operators in Europe

Recently, several operators licensed in Curaçao faced lawsuits in European countries, with some being ordered to refund losses to players. For instance, Dama N.V. was ordered in Austria and the UAE to repay €816,852. Another Curaçao licence holder was similarly ordered to refund players’ losses in Germany and Austria.

Both companies warned that these rulings posed a threat, as they created a “risk-free gambling” environment for players, allowing them to place bets with the option to sue for refunds if they lose. In a few European countries, such as Austria, where the gambling market is heavily regulated and monopolised, any bets placed on offshore platforms are deemed illegal and void for both operators and players. Recently, Austria required a player to return their winnings to the operator after placing bets on an offshore platform, to discourage opportunistic lawsuits.

 

Curaçao court’s response

In the cases of Dama N.V. and other operators., the Curaçao court chose to uphold the judgments of the European courts. The Curaçao court declared that, since the licensed operators were not paying their debts to the players, they were in a state of ceased payment and declared them bankrupt. However, Dama N.V. later succeeded in overturning this judgement by proving to the Curaçao court that it was “financially healthy.”

Meanwhile, Malta has taken a different approach with the promulgation of Bill No. 55, which protects its licensees from foreign court interference. If a European player sues a Maltese-licensed operator, Maltese courts will uphold the operator’s licence, provided it complies with Maltese law, effectively blocking foreign judgments.

Given the growing number of claims, the European Court of Justice is now set to determine whether German and other European bettors can legally claim refunds for their losses from offshore operators.

  

Alternative licences in Kahnawake, Anjouan, and Tobique

Kahnawake, Anjouan, and Tobique have emerged as appealing alternatives to more well-known jurisdictions.

 

Kahnawake: Located in Canada, Kahnawake is one of the oldest jurisdictions and has been issuing gambling licences since 1996. It is known for its stringent regulatory framework and legal resistance to opportunistic litigation. Operators licensed in Kahnawake can expect a stable and predictable legal environment, which helps minimise costly legal issues.

Anjouan: Anjouan, part of the Union of the Comoros, offers favourable conditions for online gambling operators, including the absence of a requirement for a physical presence in the jurisdiction. This allows operators to avoid direct oversight by local courts, reducing the risk of unfavourable rulings. Anjouan’s flexible business conditions and reliable legal protections make it an attractive option for those looking to minimise legal risks.

Tobique: Also based in Canada, Tobique provides a unique licensing environment characterised by flexible management and a stable legal framework. Like Anjouan, Tobique does not require operators to have a physical presence, and offers strong protection against lawsuits. This makes Tobique an appealing choice for operators seeking a secure and stable licensing base.

What to look for when considering alternative jurisdictions

These alternative jurisdictions offer several key advantages for operators:

 – Protection against opportunistic lawsuits: These three jurisdictions often provide strong safeguards against frivolous or opportunistic lawsuits, reducing the risk of costly legal battles.

– Flexible jurisdiction management: Many alternative licences do not require a physical presence in the licensing jurisdiction, allowing operators to avoid direct local court oversight.

– Stability and predictability: By choosing a jurisdiction with a stable and predictable legal environment, operators can better protect their businesses from legal uncertainties.

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Bacta encouraged by Gambling Minister support for White Paper

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The UK’s Minister for Gambling, Baroness Twycross, has provided the clearest indication yet that the industry will not have too long a wait before the proposals on gambling reform contained in the White Paper are implemented.

Speaking at the Labour Party Conference Baroness Twycross underlined the cross-party support that the White Paper enjoyed before it was side-lined by the snap general election. She said: “In opposition we (the Labour Party) were broadly supportive of the Gambling White Paper and we do not believe that gambling is wrong in and of itself and we do recognise that most people who gamble do so safely but we absolutely believe that we need to strengthen protections to protect those that are at risk of gambling addiction and of harmful gambling.”

Answering a question from the floor she stated: “I am clear that people have been waiting for things to proceed for some time and I know from Civil Servants that they have some things that have been ready to go for a long time.

“It would be wrong for me to not speak to those involved in the sector before proceeding but I am clear that this will not be years of conversation before we start outlining the direction of travel, that this is something that is my absolute priority as a new Government Minister.”

George McGregor, Executive Director (Government Relations) at UK trade association Bacta, who attended the Labour Party Conference alongside Bacta President John Bollom was encouraged by what the Minister had to say. He stated: “This was the first occasion that the Minister had spoken about the gambling brief. Her reference points in terms of the timetable for implementation were weeks and months and the feeling in the room was that we have a Minister who is both pragmatic and proportionate.”

He continued: “Bacta’s contributions to the White Paper were all evidence-based and I am confident that our arguments including the commitments to safer gambling and our ability to contribute to the government’s growth agenda will resonate with the Minister. I am looking forward to developing further our social and economic case when we meet with Baroness Twycross on 3 October.”

 

The post Bacta encouraged by Gambling Minister support for White Paper appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Soft2Bet CEO and Founder Uri Poliavich recognised Leader of the Year Award by SBC Awards

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Uri Poliavich Recognized Among Industry Leaders for Exceptional Leadership, Obsession with Innovation, and Dedication to Philanthropy

Soft2Bet, the leading iGaming turnkey solutions provider, announced that during the SBC Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 26, founder and CEO, Uri Poliavich, won the Leader of the Year award from SBC Awards, a leading event organizer and publisher in the iGaming industry. Regarded as one of the most prestigious awards in the gaming industry, Poliavich was selected for this honor based on his exceptional leadership, passion for innovation, and dedication to philanthropy.

Uri Poliavich’s exceptional leadership has been at the core of Soft2Bet’s innovative spirit since he founded the company in 2016. With his clear strategic vision and a commitment to fostering a cohesive team culture focused on growth and innovation, Soft2Bet has evolved from a small team into a leading global B2B and B2C iGaming company, developing revolutionary industry solutions. Over the past year, Soft2Bet has made significant investments and experienced massive growth with its innovative Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA), which has been proven to enhance retention and engagement.

Poliavich’s commitment to innovation extends beyond Soft2Bet. The company recently launched Soft2Bet Invest, a fund aimed at supporting growth-stage and mature companies harnessing pioneering technologies in casual gaming, AI, and high-margin gaming software solutions. With an initial fund of over $55 million, Soft2Bet is looking to collaborate with companies and educate participants at G2E about its vision for revolutionizing the iGaming industry.

In 2020, Poliavich established The Yael Foundation — named after his wife — to support and build Jewish schools in the diaspora. The foundation, which fuels his commitment to business growth and success, currently supports nearly 13,500 children across 83 schools in 35 countries.

“It is a great honor to be named Leader of the Year and for Soft2Bet to be recognized for their Innovation in Mobile and Casino Entertainment by SBC,” said Poliavich. “This recognition highlights Soft2Bet’s significant achievements in product development and global expansion over the past year, as well as our team’s commitment to raising the bar as a forward-thinking iGaming platform provider.”

“Through our SBC Leaders initiative and events, leadership is something we like to highlight with our audience,” commented Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & founder of SBC. “It’s clear how much the Soft2bet employees have been inspired by Uri over the past 12 months, so he was an extremely worthy recipient of one of our Leaders of the Year Awards. Here’s to another successful 12 months for the company.”

Now in its eleventh year, the SBC Awards recognize the achievements of operators, affiliates, and suppliers across all major disciplines, including payments, marketing, platform providers, and data.

 

The post Soft2Bet CEO and Founder Uri Poliavich recognised Leader of the Year Award by SBC Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Week 39/2024 slot games releases

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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

PG Soft has released Three Crazy Piggies slot, a modern twist on the classic fable that sees the tables turned on the cunning grey wolf. Three Crazy Piggies is a 5-reel (3 rows in reel 3, 4 rows in reels 1, 2, 4 and 5) video slot starring symbol transformations and x10 multiplier. A rocking soundtrack builds the atmosphere in Everloom Forest, as the youngest brother’s stone house is challenged to stand against the wolf’s might.

Get set for a party in the USA as Relax Gaming, the iGaming aggregator and supplier of unique content unveils its latest release, Quackin’ Reels. This 3×3 slot is populated by birds who are enjoying life at a backyard party in true American style! Quackin’ Reels’ cast ofcolourful characters enhances the feature-filled gameplay which can potentially see players win a maximum of 8,850x their stake.

Stakelogic invites players to enjoy the thrill of the Super Wheel™ once again with the launch of the Big Cash Super Wheel™ slot. From the moment Big Cash Super Wheel™ loads up, it is clear this isn’t your typical online slot. The title puts a unique spin on the standard game grid, using a 2x3x4x5x6 reel shape with a connected ways win system to captivate audiences, while also offering wins of up to 5,000x their stake.

Inspired Entertainment, Inc. in partnership with William Hill announces the launch of William Hill Vegas Gold Cash Freespins™. This bespoke game combines renowned William Hill Vegas imagery with the engaging mechanics of Inspired’s popular Gold Cash Freespins theme.

Nolimit City is back behind bars with San Quentin 2: Death Row. It’s been nearly 4 years since the OG San Quentin xWays® escaped into the world, and the fans have been hungry for more ever since. Well, the wait is over. It’s time to do hard time… again.

Thunderkick has launched The Gunman of Goldwood, the latest addition to its distinctive product portfolio that places players at the heart of a duel on the American frontier. The titular Gunman is the game’s highest-paying symbol, surrounded by revolvers, knives, and whiskey bottles.

Players can expect ghosts, ghouls and big wins in Boo, the frightening new slot from Big Time Gaming set to hit operator game lobbies in time for Halloween. Only the bravest of players will dare to gather around as the reels spin amidst the haunting air, conjuring excitement with every ghostly apparition. Spines will tingle as each winning symbol triggers a hair-raising reaction that promises to put players on the edge of their seats.

Everygame Casino‘s new Clue Chronicles: Mirror Mansion is a high-stakes whodunit with a Reel Copy feature and a choice of up to four modes for its Free Games bonus round. In the new Clue Chronicles: Mirror Mansion, players enter the world of candlesticks, daggers, and clues to solve the mystery of Mirror Mansion and spin their way to stacks of cash.

 

Play’n GO dares players to brave the inferno and uncover untold treasures in the newest slot adventure, Kingdom Below. Set in the blistering heart of Hell, Kingdom Below challenges players to join Ignis, the fearsome ruler of the underworld, in a quest for mystery prizes and hidden treasures. In this treacherous 5×4 grid slot, the line between danger and reward blurs, offering thrill-seekers a chance to face the flames and emerge victorious with the spoils of the inferno.

 

 

Spinomenal has enhanced its Wildlife Slot Series with the release of Buffalo Rampage Hold & Hit. This latest title from Spinomenal is set across a vast landscape that stretches along a rugged tapestry of towering mountains and sweeping plains. The medium symbols include an Eagle, Black Bear, Wolf, and Big Cat. A powerful Buffalo represents the Wild and three or more pay when followed by a free spin or a bonus symbol. The Wild substitutes for any symbol except free spins and bonus symbols.

 

Evoplay is taking players to the Colosseum in its new slot Chained Fighters, where wilds unlock the key to big wins. With a backdrop of Ancient Rome, the 5×4 slot sees wilds land in stacks of up to four per reel to boost reward potential in the base game whilst multi-coloured gladiators make up the high-paying symbols.

Booming Games’ latest slot title sets the gold standard with its gilded gameplay and shimmering big win potential. Gold Gold Gold 5000 is the follow-up to the hugely popular Gold Gold Gold, but with an even bigger max win potential. Gold Gold Gold 5000 is set across five reels and three rows with 20 paylines active in the base game.

Playson marks the eagerly anticipated return of its iconic jester in Pink Joker: Hold and Win, offering a host of in-game jackpots, a special Pile of Gold feature and a lavish Bonus Game offering Stacked Multipliers. Donning a deep pink outfit in Playson’s refreshing take on its player-favourite Hold and Win series, the joker unleashes a thrilling adventure on the 3×3 matrix, accompanied by a feast of classic fruit, electric and jackpot-style coin symbols.

Blueprint Gaming’s player-favourite gorilla marks his comeback in style through the company’s latest release King Kong Cash™: Even Bigger Bananas 2, offering slot enthusiasts a host of new features to explore. The 4,096 ways to win slot sees the notorious Kong take centre stage on the 6×4 grid, accompanied by fellow jungle inhabitants and a series of specially themed-bonus icons.

CryptoSlots proudly announces the launch of its latest title, Spartan Conquest, inspired by the heroic Spartan warriors of Ancient Greece. This cutting-edge Mega Matrix 5×4 video slot with 28 paylines is the first on CryptoSlots to introduce Colossal Symbols. Players can take advantage of enticing deposit bonuses until October 4. In Spartan Conquest, players can embark on a journey through ancient battlefields, where epic symbols such as war elephants, Spartan helmets, shields and crossed swords populate the reels.

The new release from MGA Games will take players to the top of Mount Olympus to accompany the mighty Zeus, king of the gods. This new 5×3 game with 25 prize lines also features an epic soundtrack that will immerse the player in a divine atmosphere as the reels spin and fortune is unleashed. The themed symbols on the reels are inspired by the myths of classical Greece.

TaDa Gaming is dishing out the treats with new release Lucky Doggy. Wilds, Scatters, Multipliers and generous Free Spins are further enhanced with a superb bonus game in this six rows, five reels, 50 fixed paylines slot. There are two Scatters in Lucky Doggy. The Bonus Scatter can only appear on reels two and three and the Gamble Scatter on reel four.

Would you dare to summon the most terrifying of Egyptian plagues? That is exactly what’s being asked of players in Fantasma Games’ latest blockbuster slot, Shadow Summoner Egypt, already showing outstanding player engagement KPIs from its initial limited market release. Shadow Summoner Egypt is scheduled for general market release in the very near future.

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