Curaçao Governor and Prime Minister Face Legal Challenge Over Gambling Licenses
Curaçao’s governor, Lucille George-Wout, and Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas are facing a lawsuit over the government’s controversial decision to issue gambling licenses in November 2023. The legal action, filed on November 10 in Curaçao’s Court of First Instance, was brought by journalist Nardy Cramm, chair of the Foundation for Representation of Victims of Online Gaming (SBGOK).
Cramm’s lawsuit demands government transparency, seeking documents related to gambling licenses and challenging whether Finance Minister Javier Silvania had the legal authority to issue them. Cramm claims that only the governor is empowered to grant such licenses under existing legislation.
The legal filing alleges government entities have obstructed access to public information through bureaucratic delays and refusals. These included misdirecting Cramm’s information requests, extending deadlines, and ultimately denying access to critical documentation.
In May 2024, Silvania rejected a formal request from Cramm, citing the Government Information (Public Access) Ordinance’s non-applicability to non-residents. However, Cramm argues this violates her rights under local and international laws, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the licensing process.
The lawsuit comes amid allegations of misconduct in Curaçao’s gambling reform process, which opposition politicians and other critics have called into question.
Italy to Modernize Online Gaming with New Tenders Amid Challenges
Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) is preparing to launch tenders for online gaming, followed by the highly anticipated Lotto tender. Roberto Alesse, ADM’s director general, confirmed the plans during an interview with La Verità, emphasizing the agency’s critical role in supporting fiscal policies and securing tax revenue from gaming.
The tenders are part of Italy’s strategy to modernize its gaming sector, streamline its legal framework, and bolster tax contributions to the national economy. Alesse also highlighted efforts to achieve legislative uniformity, led by Deputy Minister Maurizio Leo, through collaboration with the State-Regions Conference. This initiative aims to align public tenders with European standards and establish consistent regulations across Italy’s gaming network.
However, Alesse criticized the gambling advertising ban under the 2018 Dignity Decree, describing it as counterproductive. He argued the restrictions favour illegal platforms, undermining the decree’s intent to combat gambling addiction.
Meanwhile, the Lazio Regional Administrative Court has suspended ADM’s decree on the Register of Online Top-Up Points of Sale after the operator appeals. The court’s precautionary ruling delays implementation until February, citing concerns about compliance burdens and economic harm to businesses.
These developments signal significant changes ahead for Italy’s gaming industry.
Irish Banks to Introduce Voluntary Gambling Credit Card Blocks
Two leading Irish banks, Allied Irish Bank (AIB) and EBS, will soon implement a voluntary block on gambling-related credit and debit card transactions, according to the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). Anne Marie Caulfield, GRAI’s CEO designate, welcomed the initiative as a critical step toward consumer protection.
This development follows Ireland’s landmark gambling regulation bill, passed in October, which aims to create a regulated market by 2025. The GRAI is working closely with other financial institutions through the Banking Payments Federation of Ireland to encourage widespread adoption of similar measures.
GRAI continues its preparations to oversee the emerging market, focusing on establishing an independent regulatory framework. Efforts include licensing regime development, staff training, and engaging with gambling operators expected to apply for licenses in 2025. Caulfield emphasized the regulator’s commitment to fostering a safe, compliant gambling environment with robust consumer protections.
Dutch Supreme Court Holds Curaçao Master Licensees Liable for Unpaid Winnings
The Dutch Supreme Court has upheld a landmark ruling holding Curaçao gambling master license holders accountable for the unpaid winnings of their sublicensees.
The case involved a Turkish player who won 620,000 Turkish lira (€16,910) on Bahsine, an online casino operated by Trigonon Group NV under a sublicense from Cyberluck Curaçao NV (Curaçao eGaming). When the casino failed to pay and closed the player’s account, the claim was assigned to the Foundation for the Advocation of Victims of Online Gambling (SBGOK), led by journalist Nardy Cramm.
The court ruled that Cyberluck bears responsibility for ensuring its sublicensees comply with licensing conditions, including paying player winnings. Cyberluck’s arguments against liability, citing fairness and oversight challenges, were dismissed, with the court stating that the sub-licensing system had “gotten out of hand.”
This decision follows Curaçao’s recent gaming reforms under the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK), aimed at replacing the controversial master and sublicense structure.
While the ruling sets a significant precedent, it is not immediately enforceable against Cyberluck, given the financial implications and ongoing similar cases. This case highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of Curaçao’s gaming industry amid its transition to a more regulated framework.
Texas Resident Files Class Action Lawsuit Against DraftKings Over Account Closures
A Texas resident has filed a class action lawsuit against DraftKings, accusing the online sports betting company of unfairly closing user accounts and retaining their remaining balances.
Filed in Massachusetts federal court on December 23, the lawsuit claims DraftKings traps users in a “catch-22” by closing accounts for alleged terms-of-service violations and then denying withdrawals because the accounts are inactive.
Lead plaintiff Eric Avila alleges his account, containing $100, was terminated in September 2024 without specific explanation. DraftKings purportedly cited compliance requirements and vague terms violations, often accusing users of creating multiple accounts, a practice the plaintiff denies.
The lawsuit alleges breach of contract, fraud, unjust enrichment, and violations of Texas consumer protection laws, claiming DraftKings has withheld millions from users. It seeks restitution, punitive damages, and attorney fees.
DraftKings, along with its subsidiary DK Player Reserve LLC, has yet to respond to the allegations.
Winna.com Secures $15m in Seed Funding to Expand Crypto Gaming Offerings
Crypto-focused casino platform Winna.com has raised $15m in seed funding, marking a significant milestone since its launch this summer. While the investors remain undisclosed, the funding highlights strong confidence in the platform’s innovative approach to online gaming.
Winna.com plans to use the investment to expand its portfolio, accelerate growth, and enhance player experiences. The platform already boasts over 10,000 active players and is set to obtain an Anjouan gaming license by January.
CEO Paul Martens emphasised Winna.com’s commitment to transforming online gaming through unique games, a VIP program, and provably fair systems ensuring transparency and trust.
The platform features over 4,000 casino games, including slots, live tables, and a crypto-first sportsbook covering 10,000+ events globally. Future plans include developing player-versus-player games to meet rising demand for competitive crypto gaming.
Winna.com aims to set new industry standards while leveraging its growing popularity.
Russia looks to crypto payments for international business
Russian businesses are increasingly using bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for international payments, following recent legislative changes that allow such transactions to bypass western sanctions. These sanctions, imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, have complicated trade with countries like China and Turkey. However, Russia has now permitted cryptocurrencies for foreign trade and is exploring the legalization of cryptocurrency mining.
Finance Minister Anton Siluanov confirmed that cryptocurrencies, including mined bitcoin, are already being used in foreign transactions and are expected to expand in the coming year. This shift aligns with broader trends in cross-border payments, which have been transformed by blockchain technology, offering lower fees, faster transactions, and greater transparency. Stablecoins, in particular, are gaining traction for their efficiency, enabling businesses to bypass traditional banking systems and settle payments almost instantly. This growth highlights blockchain’s potential to revolutionize global financial transactions.
Luxury brands set to embrace bitcoin, crypto payments
Luxury brands are increasingly embracing cryptocurrency payments to tap into new wealth generated by the soaring value of bitcoin and other digital assets. With high-end fashion and retail brands seeking innovative ways to engage younger, tech-savvy customers, this trend has gained traction. Recently, French department store Printemps partnered with Binance and Lyzi to accept bitcoin and ethereum, becoming the first European department store to do so. Other luxury labels, including Gucci and Balenciaga, have already ventured into cryptocurrency payments, reflecting a broader shift in the industry.
Despite cryptocurrency’s volatility, regulatory support—especially from U.S. policymakers—has bolstered its appeal, making it a viable option for luxury retailers. This move allows brands to cater to affluent crypto investors looking to diversify their portfolios with high-end goods. For instance, Balenciaga recently released a leather cardholder designed to hold Ledger’s crypto hardware.
While the adoption of crypto payments is still in its early stages, luxury brands view it as a way to position themselves as forward-thinking and attract younger clientele. As digital currencies continue to rise in prominence, luxury brands see them as an opportunity for growth, enhancing their image while offering customers an alternative payment method in an increasingly digital world.
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