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Still Working Under Risky Curaçao? Here Are 3 Reliable Alternative Licenses
The European online gambling market is rapidly growing. The next few years show growth from $52.30 billion in 2024 to $88.16 billion in 2029, thus recording an 11.01% yearly increase. Although Curaçao currently holds a significant share of the market, this is likely to change rapidly, especially now that the official abolishment of the Curaçao master license regime has entered into effect. These issues are becoming increasingly evident amid recent court decisions, which have increasingly favored European players.
Many operators choose to work under a Curaçao license due to its easy accessibility and simplicity during the initial stages. However, the easy access to the license is now no longer relevant, as operators are required to go through a more scrutinizing licensing process with the Curaçao Gambling Control Board to obtain a license. Previously, operators could simply engage with an existing master license holder, but with the abolition of this status, this previous advantage no longer applies.
Consider a typical player from a European country who plays at an online casino licensed by Curaçao instead of a local license as required by local law. When the player experiences a loss, they may decide to recover their money and file a lawsuit against the gaming platform in a court that adheres to European Union legislative acts. After obtaining a favorable judgment in their home country, the player can then bring this judgment to Curaçao for enforcement. According to the latest case law in Curaçao, the courts there have taken a very permissive approach towards such claims and have enforced them. The alternative for Curaçao-based companies and operators who refuse to pay such claims is the risk of being declared bankrupt. This process has provided a platform for fraudulent players and opportunistic lawyers to exploit the legal system to recover their so-called “lost” funds. Consequently, many operators are abandoning Curaçao licenses in favor of other jurisdictions like Kahnawake, Anjouan, or Tobique.
The current lack of specific protective measures found in other jurisdictions is a critical aspect of the issue. For example, Malta has promulgated Bill No. 55, which safeguards the licenses within its jurisdiction from the interference of foreign court rulings. This legislation is one of the most important in the field, ensuring online casino operators are not subjected to discrimination. To illustrate, if an operator is sued by players from Europe who have placed bets or wagers with the operator under a Maltese license, the local courts in Malta will not deliberate cases in which the legality of the use of the Maltese license is questioned if the license was used in accordance with Maltese requirements. Instead, the courts will block or dismiss any foreign judgment introduced in Malta, thereby protecting the operators. In contrast, Curaçao courts have taken a completely different course, actually paving the way for players to exploit the system and bring claims against Curaçao operators for the reinstatement of legitimately “lost” funds.
Alternative Licenses: Kahnawake, Anjouan, and Tobique
Amid this danger and lack of protection, operators are increasingly considering alternative licensing options in other jurisdictions such as Kahnawake, Anjouan, and Tobique. These jurisdictions offer several advantages that make them attractive to operators.
Kahnawake: The Kahnawake is one of the oldest and most reliable of the jurisdictions providing a license for online gambling, and can be found in Canada. It is famed for its rigid regulatory regime coupled with strong legal resistance against opportunistic litigation. Kahnawake licensed operators can rest assured that the legal environment will be stable and predictable, thus, the legal issues that can be very costly are minimized.
Anjouan: Part of the Union of the Comoros, Anjouan also offers favorable conditions for online gambling operators. This jurisdiction does not require operators to have a physical presence, allowing them to avoid direct oversight by local courts. Anjouan provides flexible business conditions and reliable legal protection, making it an attractive alternative for operators looking to minimize legal risks.
Tobique: Also located in Canada, Tobique offers online gambling operators unique opportunities. This jurisdiction is characterized by flexible management and provides operators with a stable and predictable legal environment. With no requirements for physical presence and strong protection against lawsuits, Tobique is an appealing option for operators seeking a secure and stable licensing base.
These jurisdictions share several common advantages that make them preferable for operators:
Protection against opportunistic lawsuits: These jurisdictions often have better protections against frivolous or opportunistic lawsuits, reducing the risk of costly legal battles.
Flexible jurisdiction management: Many alternative licenses do not require operators to have a physical presence in the licensing jurisdiction. This allows operators to avoid direct oversight by local courts, which can lead to unfavorable rulings.
Stability and predictability: By choosing a jurisdiction with a more stable and predictable legal environment, operators can safeguard their business from the type of legal exploitation observed in Curaçao.
The i-gaming sector is a bright and always growing one, with many new regulators, permissions, prohibitions, jurisdictions, and licenses coming up all the time. By working under just one well-known license, operators narrow down their options, which is an unwise strategic decision. Surely, the Curaçao license is one of the easiest to get and most recognizable today, but this strong brand name has very high risks. Nevertheless, new licenses give new chances for the operators, with the major advantages being stability and safety.
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Arizona Department of Gaming and Arizona Lottery Announce Proclamation Recognizing September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month
State agencies join forces to raise awareness, promote prevention, and provide tools for safe and responsible play.
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) and the Arizona Lottery are proud to announce a joint effort in support of a new Proclamation recognizing September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month in Arizona.
Responsible gaming is about ensuring that individuals who choose to play have the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to make informed decisions and enjoy gaming as a form of entertainment. While problem gambling initiatives focus on helping those already experiencing harm from gambling, responsible gaming emphasizes prevention by encouraging healthy play behaviors before they reach a critical point.
Throughout September, and continuing in the months ahead, the ADG and Arizona Lottery will work together to strengthen education and awareness initiatives. The goal is to equip players with strategies and resources that help them keep gaming fun and safe, while helping reduce the risks associated with problem gambling.
“For over 30 years, the Arizona Department of Gaming has safeguarded the integrity of gaming through strong consumer protections, enforcement against illegal operators, and support services for those impacted by problem gambling,” said Jackie Johnson, Arizona Department of Gaming Agency Director. “During Responsible Gaming Education Month, we remind everyone that part of playing responsibly is being informed—always double-check before you place your bet to ensure you are using a legal, regulated operator at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet.”
The Arizona Lottery also remains steadfast in its commitment to responsible play and has a Level 2 certification with the World Lottery Association for responsible gaming. Lottery games benefit the people of Arizona by generating critical revenue that funds education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and economic development. At the same time, the Lottery prioritizes the well-being of its players. Each ticket includes clear odds of winning, vending machines display game odds, and the 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline is featured across Lottery products and advertising.
“We are proud to deliver entertainment that benefits communities across our state, while recognizing our responsibility to promote safe play,” said Alec Thomson, Arizona Lottery Executive Director. “Through transparency and awareness, we want every player to have the tools they need to make informed decisions and enjoy the Lottery responsibly.”
As Arizona observes Responsible Gaming Education Month, ADG and the Arizona Lottery encourage all players to stay informed, know their limits, and seek help if needed. Together, we can ensure that gaming remains a source of entertainment that strengthens, rather than harms, Arizona communities.
For more information and resources, visit gaming.az.gov/ResponsibleGaming or ArizonaLottery.com/ResponsibleGaming. If you or someone you know may be struggling with problem gambling, call or text 1-800-NEXT-STEP for confidential support available 24/7.
Internet Gaming Operator by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
This significant milestone authorizes absolutebet to offer regulated iGaming services in Ontario’s legal market under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO).
The registration marks a key step in absolutebet’s mission to bring a trusted, responsible, and innovative online casino experience to Ontario players. absolutebet is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, meeting all provincial standards for player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and game integrity.
“Securing AGCO registration is more than a milestone—it’s the start of absolutebet’s journey in one of the most exciting regulated markets in the world,” said Chen Truman, Founder of absolutebet. “We are building a brand that will grow with the Ontario community and set the stage for future expansion.”
On the regulatory milestone, Krisztina Kalla, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Advisor of absolutebet, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to see all the hard work behind this license pay off. Securing AGCO registration has taken months of preparation and close collaboration with regulators and partners. I am very happy to see the result of that work, and even more excited as we move into the launch phase and open up the absolutebet community to Ontario players in a fun and responsible way.”
Ontario is recognized as one of the most competitive and fast-growing regulated iGaming markets in North America. With AGCO registration secured, absolutebet will move forward with the final stages of its iGO onboarding process in preparation for launch.
Woodbine Entertainment has announced a partnership with 1/ST that will see the bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes (G2) become a qualifying race for the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2).
The winner of this year’s $200,000 bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack will receive an automatic invitation to the 2026 $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
The Dance Smartly, to be held on Saturday, October 4 at Woodbine, will be contested at 1 1/16 miles on the bet365 Inner Turf Course and is part of a stacked card headlined by the returning $750,000 Canadian International (G1).
“We’re pleased to partner with the team at 1/ST Racing to add this unique bonus to the Dance Smartly,” said Tim Lawson, Vice-President of Thoroughbred Racing for Woodbine. “Pegasus World Cup Day has become an outstanding showcase of our sport and it’s exciting that the opportunity to be part of it will be connected to a prominent race on one of our biggest days of the season.”
The 2026 Pegasus World Cup will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of racing’s leading luxury, lifestyle and sporting event. The Pegasus World Cup debuted in 2017 as part of 1/ST’s mission to excite, energize and modernize the sport of racing for a new generation of fans and to provide lucrative opportunities for Thoroughbred owners and trainers. The event annually attracts the sport’s biggest names and is viewed globally.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Woodbine in linking the Dance Smartly to Pegasus World Cup Day,” said Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST. “This collaboration strengthens the global profile of both events, while providing horsemen and fans with a world-class pathway from Toronto to South Florida.”
The 2026 Pegasus World Cup will be held in January.
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