Curaçao Governor and Prime Minister Named in Gambling License Lawsuit
Curaçao Governor Lucille George-Wout and Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas are facing legal action over the government’s handling of gambling license issuance. Journalist and SBGOK chair Nardy Cramm filed the lawsuit on November 10 in the Court of First Instance, challenging the legal authority of Finance Minister Javier Silvania to issue online gambling licenses in November 2023.
Cramm alleges that under Curaçao law, only the governor has the authority to grant such licenses. The lawsuit also demands transparency, accusing government bodies of obstructing her access to critical public records regarding gambling licensing.
The filing claims repeated bureaucratic delays and refusals, including incorrectly forwarding requests and rejecting them outright. On May 14, Silvania denied Cramm’s request, arguing that Curaçao’s public access laws do not apply to non-residents, a position Cramm contests as violating her legal rights.
The case coincides with serious criminal allegations against figures involved in gambling reforms, raising questions about the integrity of the licensing process. Curaçao’s gambling regulator has denied any wrongdoing.
This legal battle highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding Curaçao’s gambling reforms, as calls for transparency and accountability grow louder.
New Zealand Confirms 15 Online Casino Licenses as Market Prepares for 2026 Launch
New Zealand’s regulated online casino market is set to launch in 2026, with 15 licenses available for operators, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden announced on November 13.
The licensing system, part of the government’s strategy to minimise harm, enhance consumer protection, and ensure tax compliance, will be enacted through legislation in 2025. The bill is scheduled for introduction in April 2025, with licenses auctioned from February 2026. Licensed operators can begin trading by April 2026.
High-profile operators, including 888, Betway, and Bet365, have already expressed interest, alongside local players such as SkyCity, TAB NZ, and Christchurch Casino. According to cabinet papers, the top 15 operators accounted for over 90% of online gambling GST revenue in the past three years, indicating strong market concentration.
Player protection is central to the framework, with fines of up to NZ$5 million for violations. Operators must implement age verification and adhere to strict advertising regulations, including bans on targeting minors.
Van Velden emphasized safety over expansion, stating, “My goal is not to increase gambling but to enable safer options for New Zealanders.” She highlighted the system’s role in channeling consumers to licensed operators, reducing reliance on offshore platforms.
Further details on advertising and harm minimization rules will be developed under the existing Gambling Act.
Canada’s iGaming Sector Booms with Record Revenue and Innovation
Canada’s iGaming industry is experiencing rapid growth, with Ontario leading the way since its 2022 market liberalization. By creating clear operating requirements and a revenue-sharing model, Ontario attracted 51 operators and 83 gambling websites, generating a record-breaking $2.4 billion in online gambling revenue within its first year.
Other provinces have embraced online gambling differently. Quebec’s Loto-Quebec reported $403.9 million in revenue for 2023/24, while Alberta’s Play Alberta reached $179 million. British Columbia’s PlayNow earned $476 million, with projections of further growth. Meanwhile, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation brought in $872.7 million, though provinces like Manitoba and Saskatchewan saw relatively modest or declining figures.
Ontario’s success stems from welcoming popular offshore operators, ensuring safer gambling experiences while boosting provincial revenue. Slots, live table games, and no-deposit bonuses remain key drivers, attracting a younger, tech-savvy audience.
Technological innovation also propels growth. Blockchain ensures transparency and fairness, while AI and machine learning enhance personalization. Mobile-first designs dominate, with brands integrating gamification features and exploring augmented and virtual reality to engage users further.
With projections estimating $4.19 billion in overall online gambling revenue for 2024, Canadian provinces are set to benefit economically, reinvesting gains into healthcare, education, and infrastructure while maintaining robust consumer protections.
France Initiates Consultation on Online Casino Legalisation
The French government has launched a consultation with industry stakeholders to explore the legalisation of online casino gaming. Minister of the Budget and Public Accounts, Laurent Saint-Martin, announced that additional technical meetings are necessary before advancing the proposal.
Initial discussions involved over 50 representatives from gambling sectors, public health groups, addiction prevention advocates, and politicians. These meetings highlighted key concerns that require further examination.
The consultation, conducted by the central government and the French gambling regulator (ANJ), will run for three months, concluding with a preliminary report in early 2025.
Three working groups will focus on:
- Addiction and Public Health: Understanding risks associated with online gambling.
- Crime Prevention: Addressing money laundering, trafficking, and identity theft.
- Economic Impact: Evaluating effects on land-based venues, employment, and tourism.
Minister Saint-Martin stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to create a balanced regulatory framework benefiting all stakeholders.
LIveScore to wind up Dutch operations
LiveScore Group has announced plans to cease its gaming operations in the Netherlands, citing the country’s rising tax rates and tightening regulations as unsustainable. The tax on gross gaming revenue will increase from 30.5% to 34.2% on 1 January 2024, with a further hike to 37.8% in 2025.
Sam Sadi, CEO of LiveScore Group, stated, “The planned tax increase means this market is no longer viable commercially.” This follows warnings from industry associations and government-commissioned research, which highlighted the adverse impact of overregulation on operators.
LiveScore Bet, one of the Netherlands’ first igaming licensees in 2021, is the second major operator to withdraw, following Flutter Entertainment’s Tombola. The exit also comes amid new regulatory demands, including deposit limits, real-time player monitoring, and marketing restrictions.
Operations will cease on 29 November, with refunds issued to players. LiveScore Bet continues to operate in the UK, Ireland, and Nigeria.
BetHog: New Crypto Casino from FanDuel Founders Debuts
BetHog, a cryptocurrency casino and sportsbook developed by FanDuel co-founders Nigel Eccles and Rob Jones, has officially launched following a successful private alpha phase. Backed by $6 million in seed funding, the platform introduces a mix of innovative casino games, including exclusive BetHog Originals and popular titles from studios like Pragmatic Play and Evolution.
“Our goal is to innovate further, delivering unique, highly visual games and enhancing user fun through play-along and skill-based titles,” said BetHog CEO Nigel Eccles.
Built on the Solana blockchain, BetHog offers player-versus-player (PvP) gaming, including options for users to play alongside content streamers. The platform supports SOL, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT, aiming to attract crypto-savvy players seeking secure and interactive gaming experiences.
Licensed by the Government of Anjouan, BetHog adheres to jurisdictional restrictions, excluding markets like the UK, US, and Germany.
The $6 million funding round, led by 6MV, will fuel product development and strategic growth, solidifying BetHog’s position in the expanding crypto gaming market. Future plans include new game releases and partnerships to further its global reach.
Softswiss Survey: Crypto Drives iGaming Growth in New Markets
Softswiss, a leader in crypto gaming technology, revealed in its Q3 2024 survey that 58% of industry professionals view cryptocurrency as a primary driver of growth in new iGaming markets.
The report highlighted the transformative role of crypto in global gaming, with Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other altcoins gaining prominence. Despite Bitcoin nearing €90,000 earlier this year, its sharp Q3 decline underscored the volatility impacting iGaming performance. Altcoins surged in popularity, growing from 25.1% to 47% of total bets compared to the same period last year.
Softswiss COO Vitali Matsukevich emphasized crypto’s potential to expand global market reach through lower fees, speed, and convenience, offering operators enhanced growth opportunities. Max Krupyshev, CEO of CoinsPaid, noted that crypto transaction fees are up to three times lower than fiat gateways, enabling businesses to reinvest savings.
With 26% of the global population engaging in iGaming and the market projected to reach €130 billion by 2028, cryptocurrency is poised to remain a cornerstone of the sector’s evolution.
Softswiss’s iGaming Trends 2025 Report highlights these findings and underscores blockchain’s advantages, such as safety, transparency, and global accessibility. The report is available for free download for those looking to explore the future of iGaming innovation.
Global Payment Gateway Market Set for Rapid Growth, Expected to Reach $71.11 Billion by 2028
The payment gateway market is poised for significant growth, with The Business Research Company’s latest report projecting a rise from $37.59 billion in 2024 to $71.11 billion by 2028, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.3%. This surge is driven by the growing adoption of digital payments, including credit cards, mobile wallets, and internet payment systems, which are increasingly replacing traditional cash and cheque methods.
As more businesses embrace e-commerce and mobile transactions, secure payment gateways become essential for ensuring safe and efficient financial transactions. The report highlights that digital wallet transactions alone are expected to reach $160.50 billion by 2027 and double by 2033.
The market is segmented by type (hosted and non-hosted), enterprise size (large enterprises and SMEs), and end-user industries such as banking, retail, travel, and e-commerce. North America currently leads the market, with Asia-Pacific predicted to be the fastest-growing region.
Notable developments include Cashfree Payments’ acquisition of Zecpe, enhancing their direct-to-consumer checkout capabilities, and the growing influence of global payment leaders like PayPal, Stripe, and Amazon Payments. This expanding market is expected to offer new opportunities for businesses and payment providers globally.
Detroit to Accept Cryptocurrency for City Fees and Taxes by 2025
Detroit is set to become the largest U.S. city to accept cryptocurrency as payment for taxes and city fees. The city’s Office of The Treasury announced on November 7 that residents will be able to pay taxes through a secure platform managed by PayPal. This move aligns with Detroit’s strategy to embrace innovative technologies and enhance public services. The crypto payment option is expected to launch in mid-2025, along with improvements to the city’s payment systems.
Mayor Mike Duggan emphasized that this initiative is part of Detroit’s ongoing efforts to foster a technology-friendly environment, encouraging blockchain entrepreneurs and economic growth. Treasurer Nikhil Patel highlighted that the platform upgrade would increase accessibility, especially for unbanked residents, offering a more efficient way to make electronic payments.
Detroit follows the lead of other U.S. states, including Colorado, Utah, and Louisiana, which have already begun accepting cryptocurrency for public payments. By adopting crypto, Detroit aims to improve transparency, data security, and streamline services. Additionally, the city is inviting blockchain innovators to pitch ideas for civic applications to further enhance its digital infrastructure. The initiative signals Detroit’s commitment to exploring blockchain’s potential in local governance and public sector services.
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