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iGaming Licenses Exposed: What Kahnawake, Anjouan, Tobique, and Curaçao Are Really Offering
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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PAGCOR: Online Gaming fuels nation-building, but illegal sites pose risks
Online gaming has emerged as one of the government’s biggest revenue drivers this year, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) said today, even as it raised alarm over unregulated sites preying on Filipino players.
In a report to the House Committee on Games and Amusements, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the licensed online gaming sector earned Php69 billion in license fees from January to July this year alone.
Of the total, Php41 billion came from electronic games (E-Games) while Php28 billion came from other online game offerings.
“Because of its huge potential, online gaming has become an important source of funds for our nation-building commitments, including PAGCOR’s support for education, health care, and community development,” Mr. Tengco said.
The PAGCOR chief added that in the first seven months of 2025, online gaming contributed Php27.47 billion to nation-building, funding corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs including Php14.72 billion for the Universal Health Care Law.
Other projects that will benefit from the robust performance of the online gaming sector are PAGCOR’s flagship CSR projects, including the construction of school buildings, socio-civic centers, wellness centers and E-Learning hubs.
“Every peso we collect from the gaming sector translates to meaningful projects such as classrooms for our children, health programs for our people, and safe spaces for communities in times of calamity. This is how we ensure that gaming directly benefits Filipinos,” Mr. Tengco said.
But he also warned of the growing threat of illegal online operators that entice players of all ages without safeguards.
“These illegal sites not only deprive the government of much-needed revenues but also expose Filipino players to numerous risks,” Mr. Tengco said.
He vowed stronger enforcement against such platforms and said that “PAGCOR is committed to strengthening regulation and enforcement to ensure that only legitimate and properly monitored operators are allowed to operate.”
The post PAGCOR: Online Gaming fuels nation-building, but illegal sites pose risks appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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MARCA Named Official Strategic Partner for Legends Charity Game 2025
Spain’s most influential sports voice, MARCA, has been confirmed as the Official Media Partner for the Legends Charity Game 2025, holding exclusive coverage rights across the Spanish market.
Set for September 15 in Lisbon, the Legends Charity Game 2025 will bring together football icons for a Portugal Legends vs. World Legends showdown. The match aims to raise €1 million for four selected charities, blending elite sport with a powerful message of unity and social impact, fittingly held in a city set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The Legends Charity Game, organised by Sport Global, will raise funds for four organisations: the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, which continues to provide critical aid amid war; the Portuguese Red Cross, delivering support to communities facing hardship; International Alert, a peacebuilding NGO working in conflict zones worldwide; and Caritas Portugal, which supports vulnerable families facing poverty and displacement.
The pitch will host a lineup of football greats, including Luís Figo, Deco, Nuno Gomes, and Carvalho for the Portugal Legends, and global icons like Kaka, Cafu, Puyol, Michael Owen, Del Piero, and Henrik Larsson for the World Legends.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC Events and Sport Global Group, which organises the Legends Charity Game, said: “With MARCA on board, we’re able to reach millions of fans and drive real impact for the causes this match supports.
“Their reach, especially in Spain and Latin America, will be key to amplifying our message of hope, unity, and charitable giving.”
As the world’s second most visited sports website, MARCA.com stands as a global titan of sports journalism, attracting over 257 million visits in June alone. Known for its authoritative coverage, deep fan engagement, and expansive reach, MARCA’s involvement in the Legends Charity Game guarantees the event will connect with millions of passionate football fans across Spain and the globe.
The match is expected to attract 50,000 fans to Estádio José Alvalade, and reach millions more through an international broadcast and digital livestream. With a world-class production featuring Champions League-style coverage, the Legends Charity Game is set to become one of the most widely viewed and celebrated charity sporting events of the year.
“MARCA’s involvement ensures Lisbon, and the Legends Charity Game will be at the heart of the global football conversation this September,” Sojmark added.
About the Legends Charity Game
The Legends Charity Game brings together the greatest footballers of yesterday for the benefit of tomorrow. With a mission to raise €1 million for charity, the event will unite sportsmanship and purpose on one of Europe’s most iconic pitches. Learn more at https://www.legendscharitygame.com/.
About MARCA
Born in 1938, MARCA has written the history of Spanish and international sports since its beginnings, and its national character defines it as the newspaper for all fans. In addition, it is regarded as the most comprehensive specialized daily, open to all sporting disciplines, and an international benchmark.
In Spain, it is the leading sports daily with 967,000 daily readers in its print edition, according to the second 2025 wave of the Estudio General de Medios (EGM), and with an average daily online audience of more than 3.4 million followers, as reflected in the latest data collected by GfK.
The post MARCA Named Official Strategic Partner for Legends Charity Game 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Digitain Strengthens Romanian Market Presence Through KingCasino Partnership
Digitain has entered a new partnership with KingCasino, further solidifying its active role and growing presence in the Romanian market.
Digitain, the leading sportsbook and iGaming solutions provider, proudly announces its latest partnership with KingCasino, marking another step in its Romanian growth journey. This partnership also strengthens Digitain’s footprint across Eastern Europe, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to equipping operators in the region with advanced sportsbook and iGaming solutions.
KingCasino is a fast-growing operator in Romania, offering players a wide range of slots, live casino, and sports betting opportunities. Known for its user-friendly platform, localized offering, and strong customer focus, KingCasino continues to build a loyal player base in the competitive Romanian iGaming landscape.
Through this partnership, KingCasino will gain access to Digitain’s award-winning Sportsbook, featuring thousands of monthly events, as well as Digitain’s Centrivo platform – a state-of-the-art solution for online casino and sports betting operators. In addition, KingCasino will benefit from advanced gamification and built-in bonus engine, real-time tournament engines, and customizable multi-layer progressive jackpots that enhance player engagement, along with access to dozens of casino providers available in the Romanian market.
Ani Mkrtchyan, Chief Sales Officer at Digitain, commented: “Partnering with KingCasino is not only about expanding our footprint in Romania — it’s about building long-term, value-driven relationships. With a shared ambition for growth and innovation, we are confident this collaboration will deliver outstanding results while contributing to the development of not only local but also global iGaming ecosystem.”
Thanos Karakostas, Head of Product at KingCasino, added: “As a company dedicated to delivering top-tier gaming experiences, we are always looking for ways to innovate and expand across the market. With Digitain’s expertise and advanced solutions, we will further enhance our offerings for players. Their reliable technology and committed team make them a trusted partner, and together we share a vision for excellence and continuous improvement.”
With this latest agreement, Digitain further expands its network of partners across Eastern Europe, reaffirming its position as a trusted technology provider committed to supporting operator growth in regulated markets worldwide.
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