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How Will the Changes to the Curacao License affect Online Gambling?
Due to the impact of diminished economic activity and the lockdowns, the tiny Dutch island in the Caribbean has found itself in financial troubles. Under the deal made with The Netherlands that will save its stability, it is forced to introduce changes to the Curacao license that will affect online gambling worldwide.
There are three major demands from the overseas sister country that will make the Curacao license be more alike to what is expected from countries in the EU:
1. Increased pricing for master licenses
2. Prevention of player targeting
3. Increased oversight and inspection
This will make the license somewhat harder to obtain, especially for new operators in developing nations that have been popping out recently. But, this will also make the license itself more valuable.
Part of the Economic Assistance Package
For many, the island of Curacao is considered to be a tax haven and benefiting from the fact that it is inside the Kingdom of The Netherlands, which is in the EU, but not itself being under EU restrictions and laws.
Not to mention that it is also a very picturesque Caribbean island that has the same standard as the mainland but much fewer gloomy days than Amsterdam or The Hague.
But, it is also reliant on the financial sector, tourism, and in good part oil refinement from Venezuela, all of which have halted to a degree in 2020. This forced the island to ask for assistance from the mainland.
This assistance is fairly lax and isn’t infringing on the territory’s autonomy. But, it does force some laws to coincide with EU standards that are in force in the Netherlands.
These rules include restrictions in banking, gambling, and service provision that can be seen as predatory. And while they will restrict business a bit, they aim to place more trust in Curacao-based companies.
Affecting other Local Markets
The change in rules will affect local markets globally, especially those that are connected with the island in the financial and online gambling sector.
Australia, which has the biggest gamblers per capita in the world, enjoys a lot of online gambling that is secured with the license from Curacao.
Similarly, Spain and the mainland Netherlands will be affected. Spain has a mix of gambling operators and financial services, as well as cultural ties between Curacao residence and the Spanish.
The Netherlands is not as impacted by online gambling as they already enforce a lot of these rules for local players. But, the financial sector in the country is looking down on this deal.
New Independent Regulatory Body
The first demand from the Netherlands inside the package is the formation of a new and proactive regulatory body that will not only issue the new licenses but also supervise that operators are following the rules stated under them.
Curacao is not in the Eurozone and uses the Antillean Guilder. But, the price of the new master license will be increased to ANG240.000, which is about $134.000 or 113 thousand Euros. This is a steep increase from the current $35.000 which are operators expected to pay.
But, the possibility of losing the license will force all operators to follow all rules and abide by higher gambling standards, making the license itself more valuable.
Additionally, there will be no possibility of underhanded 3rd party license acquisition by buying off a company with an existing permit, as breaking any rules will have it revoked.
Slightly Stricter Acquisition
Operators that want a Curacao license will now need to prove that they are financially capable of running an honest gambling business and paying out their jackpots and major prizes without delays.
Also, they will need to follow the EU standards that regulate privacy information by their customers. But, as most good operators were already doing this to gain access to European markets, such a change shouldn’t create a major impact.
Stop Player Targeting
Player targeting where large spenders are pushed to spend even more is forbidden under EU gambling regulation. Now, all holders of the Curacao license will need to have proactive tools that will prevent people from overspending.
Additionally, and changes to the player’s IP address and behavior will prong investigation to prevent any chance of data or identity theft.
Increase Oversight
Unlike before, the new Curacao agency will assume a more ‘hands-on’ approach to the license holders. Regular testing, inspections, and information requests will be made by the institution to ensure that everyone is following the new rules.
Looking more like Malta
Many have considered Curacao a ‘second-grade’ license compared to one provided by the Malta Gaming Commission because the European island-nation has been under EU laws since they were made.
But, with these deals in place, it is probable that the new rules will make the Curacao license more valuable and more alike to that from Malta. This will make the holders more trustworthy and will reassure the players that they are protected when gambling online.
eSports
TEAM VITALITY UNVEILS A SPECIAL EDITION JERSEY AND NEW CAMPAIGN FOR PERFECT WORLD SHANGHAI MAJOR 2024
- Leading global esports organization Team Vitality heads to China for the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, fueled by the ambition to reclaim their place at the top as the world’s best CS2 team.
- The team will proudly debut the club’s Shanghai Major Limited Edition White Fan Jersey from the Qualification Stage (RMR) onward. Designed in collaboration with Paris-based contemporary artist Nairone, this special edition jersey pays tribute to Counter-Strike and Team Vitality’s dedicated Chinese fanbase.
- For the occasion, Team Vitality is proud to present a new campaign titled “The Year of Vitality”.
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Global esports leader Team Vitality proudly announces its participation in the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024. As one of the most competitive teams in the international esports circuit, Team Vitality is set to make a powerful impact in Shanghai in what promises to be a thrilling tournament.
With anticipation building for this pivotal event in a country full of dedicated Counter-Strike fans, the club will be unveiling a new campaign on its Chinese social media accounts named “The Year of Vitality” This tribute to Chinese culture also underscores the team’s determination to secure a back-to-back victory, solidifying its global dominance.
ALL EYES ON THE TROPHY
Team Vitality’s CS2 roster has consistently delivered strong performances over the past two years, capped by their recent win at Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne 2024. Having claimed the World Champion title at the BLAST Premier World Finals in 2023 and secured an iconic victory at the BLAST.TV Paris Major, the team has firmly established itself as one of the most dominant forces in competitive CS2. After a conclusive 3-0 qualification at the RMR in Shanghai, Team Vitality is set to reinforce its status on the world stage.
Team Vitality’s dedication to competitive excellence since entering the scene in 2018 has been instrumental in shaping the modern Counter-Strike era. With legends like ZywOo, crowned HLTV’s best player in 2019, 2020, and 2023, and apEx, a seasoned pro with over a decade in the game, the team has set new industry standards in skill, dedication, and leadership. Building on this momentum, Team Vitality is poised to leave a lasting legacy in esports and proudly represent France in Shanghai.
“We are thrilled to compete at the Shanghai Major and showcase the team’s hard work against the best teams globally,” says Fabien ‘Neo’ Devide, Chairman and Co-founder of Team Vitality. “Growing our global presence and supporting both players and our worldwide community remains a top priority. We’re especially excited for zywOo to deliver a stellar performance in front of our Chinese fans. I am incredibly proud of the team and can’t wait to see them on the big stage with our fans in China!”
GEARED UP FOR VICTORY WITH SHANGHAI EDITION OF THE ALTERNATE JERSEY
Team Vitality players will debut a special edition of their newly released Alternate Jersey on the stage, created exclusively for the Shanghai Major. This limited edition features a prominent “V” on the back, with design elements that pay homage to Counter-Strike, Shanghai, and the wider Chinese fanbase. The club released the exclusive jersey in a dedicated video that includes Chinese references, graphics and design.
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Crafted in collaboration with Paris-based contemporary artist Nairone, known for his striking black-and-white contrast style, the jersey blends modern streetwear aesthetics with esports flair, making it a standout choice for both fans and players. Team Vitality’s PERFECT video showcases how the 2024 Alternate Jersey can be styled, featuring star players and brand ambassadors, underscoring its unique place in both the fashion and esports worlds.
Available for purchase only online, this special version of the alternate jersey is limited to 150 pieces and costs 89,99€.
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TEAM VITALITY UNVEILS ITS NEW CAMPAIGN “THE YEAR OF VITALITY”
Team Vitality is excited to launch “The Year of Vitality,” a campaign celebrating Chinese culture and dedicated to Counter-Strike fans across China. This initiative reflects the team’s relentless pursuit of back-to-back victories on the world stage.
As China hosts this year’s Major, Team Vitality has chosen the dragon—a powerful symbol of ambition and determination—as the emblem of its campaign, representing the team’s commitment to overcoming challenges and dominating the competition. Each campaign visual draws inspiration from Chinese iconography, bringing the Counter-Strike team into this vibrant, culturally rich world.
In a tribute to Chinese tradition, the campaign combines gold and red to signify not only the country’s national colors but also the passion, energy, and unyielding drive to win. The design aims to honor Chinese fans’ enthusiasm and capture their hearts as Team Vitality battles to bring home another title.
Join us online to get behind-the-scenes content, exclusive updates, and the chance to celebrate each milestone with the team as they strive to secure their place at the top!
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- More information:
- Team Vitality website
- PR Contact:
- SwipeRight agency – [email protected]
- Team Vitality – [email protected]
Saroca Reimagines Leadership Development for the Gaming Industry
Saroca, a leader in professional development for the gaming industry, is proud to announce its Transformational Leadership Program, launching February 2025. Building on the success of the 2024 LeadHERship Program—a pioneering initiative for women in gaming—the new program expands its reach with two distinct cohorts: one exclusively for women and another open to all genders.
The Legacy of LeadHERship
The 2024 LeadHERship Program achieved an exceptional Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 90, with participants citing transformative growth. With participants like Clemence Dujardin citing it as a “game-changer”. Confidence in leadership abilities rose by 46%, resilience increased by 27%, and imposter syndrome diminished by 39%.
Participants praised the program’s focus on emotional resilience, feedback mastery, executive presence and communication all in a supportive community.
Leadership Development: A Game-Changer for Gaming
In a rapidly evolving and diversifying industry, strong leadership is essential. Saroca’s programs go beyond skill-building to foster resilience, trust, and inclusivity—key traits for thriving in the global gaming market.
“We believe leadership is not about hierarchy—it’s about transformation,” said Emily Leeb, CEO of Saroca. “The Transformational Leadership Program reflects our commitment to cultivating leaders who will shape the future of gaming.”
Transformational Leadership Program Highlights
The program builds on the proven curriculum of its predecessor, featuring:
- Two Cohorts: A women-only cohort and a new all-gender cohort to enrich perspectives.
- Eight Modules: Covering topics such as emotional intelligence, self-advocacy, and radical candor.
- Community and Growth Tracking: Strengthening connections and measuring individual progress.
Registration Now Open
The Transformational Leadership Program begins in February 2025, with limited spots available. Scholarships are also offered to ensure accessibility. For more information, visit Saroca’s website or contact [email protected].
About Saroca
Saroca is a leader in leadership development for the gaming industry, committed to empowering professionals through inclusive, high-impact programs that drive personal and professional growth.
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced a partnership with Austrian state lottery operator Win2Day.
This partnership sees legendary titles from the Swedish-founded gaming giant, such as Reactoonz, Rise of Olympus, and Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness live on Win2Day’s platform for players to enjoy.
As of November 2024, Play’n GO offers a portfolio of over 350 premium titles in over 30 jurisdictions worldwide.
Tove Aldefors, Head of Regional Sales Central and Western Europe at Play’n GO, said “It’s exciting to launch our games with the Austrian state lottery, and Win2Day are the perfect partner for our brand. They share our beliefs about a regulated, sustainable, player entertainment-led industry. We’re looking forward to many years of success working together.”
Georg Wawer, Managing Director win2day, added “We are the only licensed operator in Austria. Therefore our objective is to provide all major igaming operators on our platform. Play’n GO is one of the international powerhouses and therefore we are delighted to be able to offer their content on our platform. We view Play’n GO as a competent and responsible partner for win2day and we’re confident this partnership will prove fruitful.”
TEAM VITALITY UNVEILS A SPECIAL EDITION JERSEY AND NEW CAMPAIGN FOR PERFECT WORLD SHANGHAI MAJOR 2024
Saroca Unveils the Transformational Leadership Program for 2025
Play’n GO announces partnership with Austrian state lottery operator Win2Day
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