Connect with us

Latest News

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

Published

on

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.

Latest News

Allwyn commits to highest level of 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

– National Lottery ‘Add some play to Christmas’ campaign supported by enhanced protection measures –
– In a UK National Lottery first, Allwyn becomes a Level 3 Gift Responsibly supporter –

National Lottery operator Allwyn has unveiled its multi-channel ‘Add some play to Christmas’ campaign, which puts National Lottery Scratchcards at the heart – positioning them as a fun way to come together, no matter the occasion or the group.

As part of that, Allwyn has once again signed up to the National Council on Problem Gambling’s (NCPG) 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign – this year as a Level 3 sponsor, the highest possible level and a UK National Lottery first.

Founded in the early 2000s, the Gift Responsibly Campaign works to raise public awareness about the risks of youth gambling. Through partnerships with lotteries and other organisations, the campaign educates communities about the risks of buying lottery products for children.

As part of its commitments as a Level 3 supporter, Allwyn will carry a ’18+ Gift Responsibly’ mark across its National Lottery gifting-related festive advertising – to re-iterate the need for people to be 18 or older to buy, gift, receive and play.

The company has also created three brand new bespoke creative assets promoting responsible play that it will use:

  • across its @TNLUK and @AllwynUK social media channels
  • on in-store National Lottery media screens
  • as part of a digital campaign

Allwyn already carries out extensive training with its 43,500 retail partners to prevent underage and excessive play, as well as running a rigorous ‘Operation Guardian’ programme for mystery shopping and knowledge checks with National Lottery retailers to ensure compliance.

The company’s advanced NCPG participation will also see it prompting its tens of thousands of retail partners to remind their customers to gift National Lottery products responsibly this festive season, through direct communications and trade advertising.

Jordana Jackson, Head of Participant Protection at Allwyn, commented: “Since becoming National Lottery operator early last year, we’ve made great progress on our participant protection plans. We’re proud to once again be supporting the NCPG’s Gift Responsibly Campaign and, for the first time in the UK National Lottery’s history, commit to Level 3 sponsorship – the highest level of support possible. This commitment includes a range of activity to remind everyone that, while National Lottery Scratchcards can add festive fun and help raise over £30m a week for Good Causes, they’re strictly for adults.”

 

The post Allwyn commits to highest level of 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

LeoVegas Group signs partnership deal with Valletta FC and boosts local footprint in Malta

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

LeoVegas Group has entered into a two-year partnership agreement with Malta Premier League club Valletta Football Club. As Exclusive Online Gaming Partner, the LeoVegas Group corporate brand will feature on the men’s squad’s match kits, at training grounds, and prominently across the club’s digital channels. The partnership will enhance the Group’s brand visibility and commitment to the local community, while further strengthening its position as an employer of choice in igaming.

LeoVegas Group and Valletta Football Club, one of the most successful clubs in Malta’s history, today announced a new partnership that will see LeoVegas Group’s corporate brand become the club’s Exclusive Online Gaming Partner during the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 seasons. The agreement includes match kit sleeve branding for the men’s squad, visibility across all club facilities, including the Rabat Football Ground and Dangli Football Ground and the matchday fanzone, as well as branding on the squad’s training bags. The club’s digital channels, which have tens of thousands passionate followers on social media such as Instagram and Facebook, will regularly feature the LeoVegas Group logo in their content.

As partners, LeoVegas Group and Valletta Football Club will also collaborate to create exciting branded experiences across the Maltese capital for both fans and employees. Group employees can look forward to exclusive matchday opportunities and VIP experiences. The partnership enables LeoVegas Group to further strengthen corporate brand awareness across the Maltese islands and continue positioning the Group as an employer of choice for talent seeking careers in the growing igaming industry.

Additionally, the partnership includes branding on the youth team’s kit. This shirt sponsorship opportunity will be donated by LeoVegas Group to a local non-governmental organization (NGO), which will be selected through a popular vote by club members during a club meeting.

Stefan Nelson, LeoVegas Group CFO and Malta Managing Director, said “We are very proud to partner with Valletta FC, one of the most successful and popular clubs in Malta. Our Group has considered itself a partly Maltese company almost since its inception, and we are thrilled to collaborate with the capital’s club to create exciting opportunities for fans, employees, and future talent alike. When two strong lions join forces, great things can happen!”. 

Claudio Grech, Valletta Football Club President, said “This partnership brings together two brands that share Malta’s global reputation for excellence in gaming, entertainment, and sport. LeoVegas Group has become a world leader in mobile gaming while Valletta FC stands as Malta’s largest football club. Both of us thrive on delivering excitement and engagement — whether through live football or immersive digital experiences. We also share a forward-looking vision that embraces technology and online communities to connect with our audiences. As LeoVegas Group continues to expand internationally, Valletta FC is equally determined to evolve into a regional football powerhouse, making this collaboration a natural and powerful alignment of ambition, innovation, and Maltese pride”.

 

The post LeoVegas Group signs partnership deal with Valletta FC and boosts local footprint in Malta appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Gamblers Connect Named Finalist in Three Categories at the International Gaming Awards 2026

Published

on

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Gamblers Connect has been officially shortlisted in three categories at the International Gaming Awards 2026, one of the most respected global recognitions within the gaming and iGaming sectors.

This announcement marks an important milestone for the company, reflecting its continued growth, consistent industry presence and long-term commitment to responsible and high-quality affiliate operations.

Gamblers Connect has been shortlisted in three distinct categories: Affiliate (Company) of the Year, recognising its public-facing affiliate excellence; the Great Place to Work Award (Operator), highlighting the strength of its internal culture; and the Safer Gambling Award, which reflects the company’s commitment to responsibility standards across its operations.

The 19th annual International Gaming Awards will be held on 18th January during ICE Barcelona. It is regarded as one of the leading global recognitions for excellence across the gaming industry. Each year, the IGA highlights companies that show innovation, quality, responsibility and meaningful contribution to the sector.

Gjorgje Ristikj, Founder of Gamblers Connect, said: “Being shortlisted across three very different categories shows our strength on multiple levels. It recognises our public-facing work, the culture behind it and the responsibility standards that guide everything we do.”

The post Gamblers Connect Named Finalist in Three Categories at the International Gaming Awards 2026 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending

EEGaming.org is part of HIPTHER, parent brand of various prominent news outlets and international conferences. These platforms and events span a wide range of industries, including Entertainment, Technology, Gaming and Gambling, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Quantum Technology, Legal Cannabis, Health and Lifestyle, VR/AR, eSports, and several others. This indicates that EEGaming.org is part of a larger network that focuses on a diverse array of sectors, particularly those related to cutting-edge technology and modern lifestyle trends.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 HIPTHER. All Rights Reserved. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania

We are constantly showing banners about important news regarding events and product launches. Please turn AdBlock off in order to see these areas.