Javier Silvania, Minister of Finance in the government of Curacao, has released a statement in which he condemns what he calls “misinformation” regarding the country’s new gambling law.

The National Ordinance for Games of Chance, a new legislation that will completely overhaul how gambling is regulated in Curacao, was submitted to the country’s Parliament for approval in December 2023. Until the new legislation is approved, Curacao will continue to operate under the existing National Ordinance on Offshore Games of Hazard legislation.

In the statement the Minister of Finance admitted that the National Ordinance for Games of Chance and its submission to Parliament was expected to generate a “wider debate.” However, Javier Silvania was keen on warning against the spreading of misinformation regarding the legislative process.

The Minister of Finance explained that he noticed “a significant amount of misinformation” and strongly urged “against the further propagation of unverified rumors or speculation” regarding the new legislation. “Full and accurate information can only be guaranteed when issued by either the ministry itself or the Curacao Gaming Control Board,” Silvania added.

Current License Issuing Process Remains in Place

The Minister of Finance also expressed his full support for the Curacao Gaming Control Board as it will transition towards the new legislative framework. “To suggest otherwise would be reckless and misleading,” Javier Silvania warned.

Moreover, the Minister of Finance confirmed through the respective statement that the current license issuing process remains in place. According to Javier Silvania that also means that “the Critical Milestones published on 20th December 2023 are likewise unaltered.”

The Critical Milestones document detailed the ministry’s process for transitioning from the current framework to the new one. One of the key dates in the process will be 31 March 2024, because from this date, the registration of sub-licenses on the Gaming Control Board website and the subsequent application for a direct license will no longer be possible. Moreover, no new license extensions or renewals of master licenses will be possible after this date.

The Curacao Gaming Control Board has also renewed all gambling licenses and from 1 January 2024, all license holders were allowed to begin displaying a digital seal on their online casino websites. The application process for operators kicked off on 1 September 2023 through the opening of the online portal, which began accepting account registrations for applicants and sub-licence holders on 1 November 2023.

Source: “Curaçao minister of finance blasts LOK “misinformation”. iGaming Business. January 11, 2024.

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Wizard Games, a powerful subsidiary of renowned NeoGames S.A., invites the players to join them on a magical adventure in an enchanted forest that hides magical animals and mysterious treasures. Its newest slot release, Golden Elk, promises a thrilling adventure that can lead to fantastic prizes.

Fantastic features for a thrilling slot experience:

The slot is placed across 5×3 reels and it has 50 paylines. The story begins in a mystical forest that treasures harmony, wisdom, and wealth. This is where a Golden Elk lives, and this is where the players can find various hidden treasures. 

The treasure can be found through both respins and free spins. If at least three scatters land on the reels, the free spins mode is activated.

If two additional scatters land, the player will get five free spins. That way, they can get up to 30 free spins.

If at least six Golden Elk symbols land on the reels, the respins bonus round is unlocked. Once the round is activated, the player can see the three-reel bonus wheel that awaits to be spun. The icon that lands highlights the pointer, and the numbers from one to nine are visible. The spin count then resets. When there are no remaining spins, the players get the prizes from collected lit pointers. If all of them are highlighted, the player gets a huge Grand Jackpot.

Popular thrilling titles developed by Wizard Games:

Wizard Games is famous for its popular titles that caught the attention of players from all around the world. The company’s impressive slot portfolio contains more than 150 thrilling games, as well as hit releases such as Grand Pepper Party and Treasures of the Count.

Benedict McDonagh, Managing Director at Wizard Games, said: “Golden Elk sees us exploring an enchanted forest in our latest release, where our dazzling graphics clearly shine through. The action-packed game contains both free spins and a respins mode, as we look to continue to refine our portfolio to appeal to a broad player base. 2024 is set to be a milestone year for us, and we’re delighted to kickstart it with this exciting new release.”

The game can have four different RTPs: 96.25%, 94.01%, and 88%. This video slot has medium to high volatility, with various great options that can lead to huge wins. It is certified in many key markets, including Malta, Romania, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Colombia, Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands and Germany.

Jobs under threat

Las Vegas’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is one of the biggest tech conventions to take place every year, with all types of innovative technologies on display. Some of the artificial intelligence (AI) and robot exhibits this year have casino workers concerned following demonstrations at CES 2024 last week.

a robotic barista that can create the perfect latte

One of the noteworthy displays was a robotic barista that can create the perfect latte, even finishing it off with an artistic image using the foamy milk.

Talking to the Associated Press, a barista at the SAHARA Las Vegas Hotel & Casino expressed his concerns about the future of hospitality jobs given these new innovations. He described it as “very scary and very eye-opening to see how humans can think of replacing other humans.”

Some of the other standout demonstrations included robots that could complete deliveries, automated masseuses, AI-powered grills, and even robot chefs.

Seeking assurances

The possibility for technology to replace certain roles in the Las Vegas casino industry has been at the forefront of minds for some time now. About 40,000 casino workers threatened strike action throughout 2023 as they sought new contracts, including protection from the advancement of AI.

$2,000 in severance pay for each year they worked for their employer

Workers managed to get some protections, including assurances they would receive training in any new systems, as well as $2,000 in severance pay for each year they worked for their employer if their job is replaced by AI or tech.

They also will have the possibility of moving departments if such a job loss happens. The issue of technology was reportedly one of the final aspects of the new five-year contract agreed upon.

Already happening

Many Las Vegas resorts already utilize new forms of technology that can replace workers. This includes robot bartenders, automated tickets for valets, and self-check-in areas.

AI is especially a threat to casino jobs that do not need any face-to-face interaction with customers, such as cooks, food prep, and housekeeping. According to University of Nevada, Las Vegas Hospitality Department Associate Professor Bill Werner, automating these roles won’t hurt the customer experience, which is very important in a city where top-quality customer service is vital.

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