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The shifting landscape of iGaming licenses in the casino market

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Exploring the shift of gambling licenses in the iGaming market and how they affect compliance and operational advantages.


The online casino industry is always changing and shifting. While there is always new technology and providers changing the market, one of the most important factors is licenses.

Online gambling laws are integral to making sure that the industry is safe and regulated. However, the popularity of certain licenses changes as time passes and as new contenders make waves. The transformation of the industry is a good sign, as it means responsible gameplay and regulation compliance are a focus.

The rise of the Anjouan iGaming license

Anjouan was once considered an underdog in the world of iGaming licenses. Now, it’s become a strong alternative to the once-popular Curacao license, and operators are starting to make the change. But why is this regulator suddenly catching the attention of operators?

To start with, Anjouan offers a more flexible and less bureaucratic approach to Curacao. It offers a cost-effective arrangement as well as streamlined processes that casinos are drawn to. There are far fewer regulatory boxes to be checked and this lets online casinos focus more on boosting their services rather than getting caught under far too much paperwork.

An Anjouan license also has strong player protection measures—and this is becoming one of the most important factors in the industry. The combination of flexibility, cost efficiency, and security makes this regulator an increasingly popular choice in the market.

Exploring PAGCOR’s role in the iGaming industry

Another long-standing regulator that is making more of a name for itself is PAGCOR, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. While this regulator is not new to the industry, it’s becoming more popular with many operators.

Based in the Philippines, it has become a powerhouse of regulation for both land-based and online casinos. It has an extensive reach and strong standards, which means that PAGCOR ensures that all operators are licensed and offer only the best service and high levels of integrity.

While PAGCOR has always been trusted, it’s gaining more ground in the industry than before. This is due to the buzz around the potential shift to PAGCOM (the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Commission)—a proposed new body that would take over from PAGCOR. With this shift, PAGCOM would focus on the regulatory side of things while PAGCOR focused on its operational role.

This would mean that processes would be more streamlined than ever before and create an even more attractive space for iGaming operators.

Kingmaker Casino’s transition to PAGCOR

Kingmaker Casino recently announced that they would be making the upgrade from a Curacao license to a PAGCOR license. Kingmaker is a trusted brand in the industry and therefore, this change has caught the attention of many players and operators.

In a recent statement, Kingmaker said:

“We are pleased to inform of an important upgrade regarding the licensing of Kingmaker. Kingmaker has now successfully transitioned from the previous license in Curacao to a new license with PAGCOR (No. 22-0025/7v3pk).

This upgrade represents an ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service excellence. We wish to assure you that this change will not affect operations in any way. Kingmaker continues to run smoothly and efficiently, providing the same high-quality service you have come to expect from the brand.”

By choosing PAGCOR, Kingmaker is not just upgrading its license; it's also aligning with one of Asia’s most respected gaming authorities, a strategic decision as the Asian market continues to grow. The casino also holds licenses from the Alderney Gaming Commission, Jersey Gambling Commission, and Gibraltar Gaming Authority.

Implications for the future of iGaming licensing

These shifts in licensing—from Curacao to Anjouan and PAGCOR—are more than just administrative changes; they a shift in what online casinos are prioritising. As player protection becomes more and more crucial, casinos are looking for licenses that not only provide legal cover but also support their business goals.

Looking ahead, we can expect more online casino operators to follow suit, choosing licenses that offer both credibility and convenience.

Published: August 14, 2024

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Article by Deni

CasinoWow Contributor

Hi, I’m Deni and I am here to ensure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about online casinos and games and, of course, have fun while doing it. I do so through in-depth research and a keen eye for detail resulting in comprehensive reviews and engaging articles. Let’s explore the iGaming world together!

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