On February 6, 2024, the Curacao Gaming Control Board (GCB), the official regulator of the land-based casino industry in Curacao, marked an important milestone in the development of gambling regulation. In line with the country’s latest regulatory regime, the GCB has issued its first licenses, a significant development for the casino and online gambling industry on this Caribbean island.
The company that received the first direct license is White Star BV, a division of Rhino Entertainment Group, and this license is for its flagship brand, CasinoDays. This important point underscores the commitment to high standards of quality and responsible gaming in the industry.
In addition to issuing direct licenses, the GCB has also issued digital seals to three well-known operators: Small House, Geeka Corporation and Games and More. These digital seals confirm their right to provide gambling services and cover all brands and domains under the jurisdiction of the official regulator.
The confirmation of the first licenses comes just 12 weeks after the licensing process began under the new regulatory regime in Curacao. This process began with the official opening of the registration portal in September. However, applicants were not allowed to register until November 1st.
The registration portal processes applications in accordance with current legislation, working with the regulator and registering any sub-licensee wishing to continue operating after the National Gaming Ordinance (LOK) comes into force. Once the LOK comes into force, the new Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) will officially take over the role of regulator.
Cedric Peters, Managing Director of GCB, noted that 2024 is a period of transformation in the regulatory landscape of the gaming sector in Curacao. He said the volume of applications had significantly exceeded expectations since the application portal opened less than 12 weeks ago. The licensing of White Star was an important milestone in the development of Curacao as a top-tier gambling jurisdiction.
Ross Parkhill, CEO of Rhino Entertainment Group, stressed that receiving a direct license is a confirmation of their commitment to excellence and responsible gaming. He also expressed hope to develop partnerships with GCB, creating a bright future for online gaming.
In London, on February 5, the next annual exhibition ICE 2024 started, representing one of the most significant events in the world of gambling. The first days of the event are accompanied by many interesting and informative sessions dedicated to the ICE VOX training program and conferences.
The ICE 2024 kickoff event features a leading industry figure with MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle as one of the keynote speakers. He will be joined by Simon Thomas, Executive Chairman of Hippodrome Casino. These prominent individuals will share their visions and experiences in the field of gambling.
In addition, the beginning of the week will be marked by a European regulatory conference, at which Rene Jansen, chairman of the Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit, and Pierre Tournier, international director of Betting and Gaming Counsel, will speak. This event will provide an opportunity to learn about the latest changes in gambling regulation in Europe.
1×2 Network has entered into an important agreement following its recent collaboration with BetCity.nl, this time with the world leader in online casinos – 888 Casino, part of 888 Holdings. The agreement includes the official integration of 1×2 Network’s full portfolio of games on the 888 platform, as well as content from their Iron Dog Studio.
The main goal of this collaboration was to expand the popularity of the 1×2 Network in Ontario and ultimately Canada by providing 888 Casino with its highly regarded selection of games. Examples of titles that will be provided at 888 Casino include Wolf Strike, MegawaysTM Jack, Pirate Kingdom MegawaysTM and 1 Million MegawaysTM BC.
888 was one of the first operators to be licensed in Ontario, a region that had just begun regulating online gambling and licensing international operators. Ontario is the first Canadian region to launch its new online gambling market, and as the largest province in Canada, it predictably becomes one of the largest casino markets in North America, with 888 Casino as the most influential brand.
With this collaboration, the operator will add new unique and compelling games to its diverse portfolio of slots and live dealer games. Talya Benyamini, Vice President of B2C Casino at 888 Casino, notes that partnerships with leading gaming providers such as 1×2 Network and Iron Dog Studio are a key part of the company’s strategy to enrich content and provide unique gaming experiences to players in Ontario.
Formally founded in 2002, 1×2 Network is a content provider and aggregator with customized, unique content making it the UK’s leading aggregator. 888 Casino, in turn, is known as an innovative and global iGaming brand with a focus on delivering premium gaming experiences and customized content.