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Player Complaints Policy Guidelines Version 1.1 18th June 2025
1 Policy Overview
This Complaints Policy outlines the framework for managing player complaints and disputes, ensuring a transparent, fair, and efficient process in alignment with the requirements under Article 5.3 of the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (Landsverordening op de kansspelen, “LOK”).
Adherence to this Complaints Policy is considered a requirement under the LOK, and failure to comply will be addressed by the Curacao Gaming Authority (CGA) in accordance with its supervision, monitoring and enforcement procedures.
The Complaints Policy guarantees players access to a straightforward and effective complaint and dispute resolution process, including free alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services that prioritize quality and independence.
In accordance with Article 5.3 of the LOK, further rules, policies and guidelines regarding complaints and ADR processes may be established and implemented from time to time. These will be published and made available on the CGA website.
• The operator’s player complaints policy must be clearly included or referenced in the operator’s Terms and Conditions. It must include details of all Stages of Complaint Resolution (Clause 3.2)
- The operator may, at its own discretion, publish the policy as a “standalone” document with link(s) from the website homepage and/or registration page.
- The operator may, at its own discretion and subject to compliance with applicable private law, require the player to explicitly confirm acceptance of the Complaints policy in any way including a tick box, popup or email.
- The operator may, at its own discretion, include acceptance of the Complaints policy as part of its registration process.
This Complaints Policy is based on regulatory requirements under the LOK. It does not affect or override the applicable rules of private law, including, but not limited to, the provisions of Book 6 of the Civil Code of Curaçao concerning general terms and conditions. Operators remain responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant civil law obligations independently of this policy. They are expected to seek appropriate legal advice to ensure that their complaints procedures and terms and conditions conform to private law requirements.
2 Definitions
2.1 Player Interaction
Any written communication initiated by a player and directed to the operator’s customer service team. This includes general enquiries, feedback, or requests for information, assistance, or clarification.
2.2 Complaint
A Complaint is a written expression of dissatisfaction by a player relating to the operator’s services, decisions, terms, or conduct, which indicates the player is unhappy and expects a response or resolution. For the purpose of Reporting requirements (Clause 6) a complaint is when a Complaint Submission Form (Clause 3.2 paragraph 3) has been submitted by the player to the operator and/or a complaint has been escalated to ADR.
2.3 Dispute
A complaint that has not been resolved to the player’s satisfaction through the internal complaints process and has been escalated, either within the organisation or to an independent third party (e.g. an ADR provider or court of law).
3 Complaint Submission Process
3.1 Complaint Window
1. This Complaints Policy applies to all players of operators licensed under the LOK from the date of licence issuance, and to all operators licensed under the NOOGH regime from the moment they were issued a green or orange dynamic seal.
2. Players may lodge a complaint free of charge at any time up to six months of the settlement of the bet or the incident about which they are making a complaint.
3. In the case of P2P (such as poker) or ante post fixed odds betting the six month clock begins after the bet settlement or conclusion of a specific event rather than the placement of the wager.
4. In the case of complaints about in-running sports betting, customers must be advised that while they may submit a complaint within six months, prompt action may be necessary if the investigation may depend on data specific to the complaint which — due to the nature of inrunning betting — may no longer be available after a short period, insofar as the operator cannot reasonably be expected to preserve such data any longer…
3.2 Stages/Escalation of Complaint Resolution
1. Complaints can only be made by the registered player. Article 1.3 section c of the LOK mandates that a player is not allowed to sell, donate, rent out, lease, pawn, or pledge, under any title, any of their claims against the holder of a gaming license from the CGA.
2. In the first instance the operator must offer customer support via email and/or live chat.
3. An official Complaint Submission Form must be available to the player.
a. This form must be either a downloadable form that can be completed and emailed or otherwise uploaded by the player, and/or a form that is fully completed and submitted online.
b. The form must include at a minimum the following sections
i. Complainant’s name, address, and place of residence.
ii. Complainant’s account number (if applicable) iii. Date of the complaint and date of the disputed event.
iv. Description of the conduct being disputed (using a selection of predetermined category topics if/as applicable).
c. The form must be available in English and in the language of the website/domain that the player is using.
d. The operator may request supporting documentation the player requires to include as part of the complaint. Any additional information or documentation requested by the operator must be a reasonable in the context of complaint resolution.
4. The operator must offer an ADR option for the players, subject to the requirements of Clause
5.
5. Except if mutually agreed under specific terms of ADR (Clause 5), the operator must not restrict the rights of the player him/herself to take legal action.
3.3 Role of the CGA
1. It is the responsibly of the operator to make the role of the CGA clear to the player in the Terms and Conditions.
2. The CGA will not resolve or make decisions on any player complaints regarding gamblingrelated transactions on the operator’s website(s).
3. Unless deemed to be inadequately handled, the decisions made by the operator and/or ADR provider will not be subject to reviewing and/or overturning by the CGA
4. Notwithstanding 2. and 3. above the operator must not restrict the player’s ability to contact the CGA directly with regard to matters including but not limited to malpractice, breach of license conditions or whistleblowing.
5. While the CGA does not mediate in individual disputes it will use the information to support its supervisory and enforcement actions.
4 Complaint Resolution Process
4.1 Timeline: Responsible Gaming Complaints
Complaints related to responsible gaming should be prioritized due to potential impacts on player well-being. Complaints should be categorized as related to responsible gaming in any case when it regards targeting of Vulnerable Players, the availability and/or timely implementation of self-exclusion and/or cooling-off and the mandated consequences therein as outlined in the Responsible Gaming policy.
Operators must use best in efforts to resolve these cases within five business days.
Within two days of receiving a complaint, the operator will:
• Confirm receipt of the complaint in writing.
• Provide an explanation of how the complaint will be processed.
• Provide notice of the average timeline for resolution of such complaints.
If more time is needed by the operator to make a reasonable and informed decision, players must be informed of the delay, which cannot exceed two weeks. If a delay is due to a lack of or a slow response from the player, the resolution period may be extended by no more than a further two weeks.
4.2 Timeline: All Other Complaint Types
The operator will assess and respond to complaints within four weeks. If necessary, due to complexity or lack of information, this period may be extended once by an additional four weeks, with prior written notice to the player.
Within one week of receiving a complaint, the operator will:
• Confirm receipt of the complaint in writing.
• Provide an explanation of how the complaint will be processed.
• Provide notice of the average timeline for resolution of such complaints.
4.3 Response and Resolution
A player will always receive a final determination of their complaint in writing.
The response will be either:
1. A reasoned final assessment of the outcome/resolution of the complaint with supporting evidence if necessary or applicable.
2. Detailed reasons for not handling the complaint. If additional information is reasonably required to address the complaint fully, the operator must have requested this information within the initial four week time period. Should the complainant not provide the necessary information within that time period, the operator may reject the complaint.
3. If the player is unsatisfied with the resolution and makes a further complaint to that effect, the player is informed that they may escalate the matter to an independent ADR entity.
4.4 Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The use of AI is permissible under this Complaints Policy Guideline subject to the following terms:
1. Once a player complaint has been identified as pertaining to Responsible Gaming
(Clause 4.1), communications with the player should be conducted by a human, not AI.
2. Complaints that can be reasonably considered as complex should be dealt with by a human, not AI.
3. The AI records must be monitored to ensure that they are reasonable in their solutions/recommendations and consistent across players with like-for-like complaints.
5 Alternative Dispute Resolution
In order to be compliant with their license conditions as mandated by LOK, each licensed operator must offer independent ADR services to their players in accordance with the ADR Policy.
1. Full details of the ADR process must be included in the operator’s Terms and Conditions.
2. Operators must have uploaded to the CGA Portal an agreement with at least one CGA Certified ADR entity, within one month of the publication of the Certified ADR Providers on the official website.
3. If a complaint cannot be resolved internally, players are entitled to escalate the matter to an independent ADR provider, free of charge. For avoidance of doubt, the operator will bear all costs of the ADR process.
4. Once ADR process is completed it cannot be recommenced by either the player or the operator with another different ADR entity.
5. In the event that the player drops out of the ADR process (but it has already begun) – it should be noted the player should not have the right to resurface the dispute in the future.
6. Provision of ADR services by the operator is mandatory. If the operator sets ADR parameters in order to prevent abuse (such as whether ADR must be undertaken before a player can initiate legal proceedings, the binding nature of the ADR outcome on the player, or whether there is a minimum claim value required for escalation to ADR), the CGA advises the operator to carefully consider these conditions and seek independent legal advice regarding any applicable civil legislation.
Furthermore, the CGA will take all relevant circumstances into account when assessing whether the operator’s measures to prevent abuse are justified. For example, the CGA may understand that in cases involving very low-value claims there may be a legitimate concern about potential misuse.
At the same time, each case must be assessed on its own merits. For instance, if a claim concerns the admission of a self-excluded person, the CGA expects the matter to be taken seriously, regardless of the monetary value involved.
6 Record-Keeping and Reporting
The operator will:
1. Submit reports to the CGA on January 15th and June 15th based on complaints submitted to the operator since the previous reporting period by players using the Complaints Submission Form. The first reports become due in January 2026.
2. The report will summarise the following:
a. Total number of complaints made.
b. Total number of settled complaints (upheld and rejected).
c. Number of pending or unresolved complaints.
d. Number of complaints by category.
e. Number referred to ADR.
f. Number and detail of complaints for which a player has taken legal action.
3. Ensure transparency and compliance with ADR decisions and regulatory updates.
4. ADR service providers will have their own reporting requirements in accordance with the Alternative Dispute Resolution policy issued by the CGA.
5. Records of unresolved complaints and/or complaints that have been escalated to ADR or legal proceedings will be kept for the lesser of five years or the relevant time stipulated by data protection, statute of limitations or other relevant laws or guidelines.
6. The CGA reserves the right to request, at any time, access to records of complaints received as well as any disputes that are pending resolution.
7 Terms and Conditions
The Complaints procedure statement will be visible and accessible on the operator’s website as a standalone link or document.
The Complaints procedure will also be clearly outlined in the Terms and Conditions.
Information provided will include at a minimum:
1. Links to customer service and information on how to contact the operator.
2. Detail of information required for a player to make a complaint and links to either/both either the online form or the downloadable PDF/Word document.
3. Timelines for responses and resolution.
4. Player rights to complain including explicit rights to ADR services and regulatory escalation.
5. An explanation of the potential consequences of the relevant ADR entity’s decision, and the manner in which this will affect the player’s right to further legal and judicial recourse.
6. Details of the ADR process and player rights.
7. Contact information for the ADR provider(s)
8. Clear information that the CGA does not mediate in individual disputes, but if the player feels the operator is in breach of regulations that the player may contact the CGA.
8 Reasons for Complaint
The player has the right to make a complaint regarding any part of their relationship with the operator, or any incident related to their participation in a game of chance. This includes (but is not limited to):
1. Deposit issues
2. Withdrawal issues
3. Bonus terms and conditions
4. Account closures or restrictions
5. Alleged errors or unfairness in game outcomes
6. Responsible gaming issues
7. Treatment of player balances
8. KYC and Verification
9. Data Protection
10. Technical or Software issues
11. AML concerns
12. Issues with minors
13. Fraudulent games
14. Fraudulent practices
15. License or regulation
16. Unfair terms and conditions
9 Transition Deadline
The Complaints Policy must be uploaded to the CGA Portal no later than 31st July 2025.
The post Player Complaints Policy Guidelines Version 1.1 18th June 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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International Chess Day: How India’s ancient game is evolving into a rising force in esports
Few games can boast a history as rich and enduring as chess. Originating in ancient India as Chaturanga, chess has evolved over centuries into one of the world’s most popular and celebrated sports. For a game with roots tracing back nearly 1500 years, it is rare to find renewed relevance in the digital era, but chess has done exactly that. Today, it thrives not only as a timeless sport of intellect and strategy but also as a modern source of entertainment, with millions of active players, vibrant communities, and massive global viewership.
This transformation has been driven by the meteoric rise of online chess, especially during the 2020 lockdown, which acted as an unexpected catalyst. The global success of the Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit, combined with the rapid growth of chess streamers across platforms like Chess.com, Twitch, and YouTube, propelled the game into mainstream pop culture.
Tournament series like PogChamps, launched by Chess.com in 2020, introduced chess to millions by featuring popular streamers and celebrities, each mentored by elite Grandmasters. Adding to this momentum were leading streaming personalities like Levy Rozman, known as GothamChess, and the Botez sisters, Alexandra and Andrea, who have built massive followings on both Twitch and YouTube. The accessible, educational, and entertaining style of these streamers has made chess more engaging and relatable to younger audiences than ever before.
Since then, online chess has seen explosive growth. In 2024 alone, Chess.com recorded over 7.6 billion games played. The platform has surpassed 200 million registered users globally, with India contributing over 9 million monthly active players and adding an average of 550,000 new signups each month. Beyond gameplay, viewership numbers have soared, with chess amassing 925 million organic views this year, reflecting an incredible 640 percent year-on-year growth. With its easy-to-play format and accessibility anytime, anywhere, chess has cemented itself as a universal sport for the digital generation.
This digital success naturally extended into the competitive esports world. The chess esports revolution accelerated in 2020 when world-renowned Grandmasters such as Qiyu Zhou, Hikaru Nakamura, and Andrew Tang joined established esports organizations like Counter Logic Gaming, Team SoloMid (TSM), and Cloud9 respectively, blending the traditions of chess with the excitement of competitive gaming.
The momentum continued when the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Chess.com included chess in the inaugural Olympic Esports Week in 2023 in Singapore. This evolution reached a landmark moment with chess officially becoming part of the prestigious Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 in Riyadh, with Norwegian legend Magnus Carlsen serving as the tournament’s ambassador. Organized in partnership with Chess.com, this year’s EWC features a prize pool of $1.5 million (approximately INR 12.8 crore), bringing together the world’s top chess players to compete in the fast-paced 10+0 rapid format, while representing leading esports organizations from across the globe.
Indian chess is making its presence felt on this grand stage. Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, signed with global esports organization Gen.G, has already secured his place at EWC 2025 through the Champions Chess Tour. The final four spots will be decided through the Last Chance Qualifier from July 24 to 26, where top Indian players, including Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram, will compete.
Both Nihal and Aravindh have joined S8UL, a global powerhouse in esports and gaming content to compete at EWC 2025. S8UL is the only Indian organization selected among the 40 elite global teams in the Esports World Cup Foundation’s (EWCF) Club Partner Program. The organisation has earned its place to compete among the world’s best in Apex Legends and EAFC, and will also be fighting for qualification in Tekken 8 through the Last Chance Qualifier, further expanding its presence across multiple esports titles.
“It’s incredible to watch chess evolve from a quiet, traditional sport into a bold, global movement. Being part of S8UL has introduced me to the world of esports and content creation, opening up new ways to connect with people. Today, chess isn’t just about strategy, it’s about storytelling, culture and community. I’m proud to be part of this exciting shift, as the game steps into a whole new era,” shares Nihal Sarin.
The chess esports revolution in India is also being championed by NODWIN Gaming, a leader in South Asia’s esports and gaming ecosystem. The company recently announced a strategic partnership with Chess.com and ChessBase India aimed at building the future of chess esports in the country. This collaboration has already delivered remarkable success, most notably with the exclusive streaming of the recent World Chess Championship, where India’s Gukesh Dommaraju defeated Ding Liren to become the World Chess Champion. The event garnered over 24 million views, with peak concurrent viewership reaching 200,000.
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, says, “The rise of online chess shows how even the most traditional games can reinvent themselves in a digital-first world. Chess has always stood for intellect and discipline, but with streaming, new formats, and structured esports competitions, it’s now more accessible and entertaining than ever, especially for younger audiences.”
Over the years, NODWIN Gaming has consistently driven the mainstream growth of chess through innovative initiatives. The Chess Super League in 2021 brought together a unique mix of top international Grandmasters, leading Indian Grandmasters, International Masters, and promising junior players, offering fans a fresh, competitive, and entertaining viewing experience. Chess has also featured prominently at DreamHack Hyderabad, India’s largest gaming festival, further reinforcing its place within the broader gaming and esports ecosystem.
“At NODWIN, we’ve always focused on youth entertainment across gaming, esports, and digital culture. Chess fits right into that vision. We’re excited to keep reimagining how the game is experienced and to help it grow as a meaningful part of the broader digital entertainment ecosystem,” adds Akshat Rathee.
On the occasion of International Chess Day, it serves as a fitting reminder that chess has always been more than just a game in India. Its digital evolution has unlocked exciting new avenues for competition, community building, and content creation. The board may remain the same, but the game continues to evolve, inspiring new generations of players and fans in the digital era.
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The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) turned over five Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) to select military units and a local government unit on Tuesday, July 16, in line with the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to enhance emergency medical services in underserved and high-risk areas.
The newest PTV recipients were the Municipality of Liliw in Laguna; the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, Light Reaction Regiment and Fort Magsaysay Army Station Hospital, all based in Nueva Ecija; and the Headquarters Force Reconnaissance Group of the Philippine Marines in Ternate, Cavite.
The turnover ceremony was held at the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City and was led by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco.
“These donations are part of our ongoing commitment to boost the government’s emergency response efforts, especially in areas where every second can mean the difference between life and death,” he said.
“It also reflects PAGCOR’s commitment to national service beyond gaming as ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.”
The donated vehicles are expected to boost the recipients’ capacity for medical evacuation and transport during military operations, natural disasters, and other emergencies in remote or conflict-prone areas.
Lt. Col. Arsen Boy D. De Guzman, the 7thID’s Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, thanked PAGCOR for the support and cited the critical role of PTVs during calamities and rescue missions.
“Taos-puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa ibinigay ninyong Patient Transport Vehicle. Rest assured po na ito ay pangangalagaan namin at gagamitin sa tamang layunin,” he said.
To date, PAGCOR has donated a total of 40 PTVs to LGUs, public hospitals, and frontline agencies nationwide as part of its socio-civic programs.
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InnoGames Unveils Cozy Coast, a Heartwarming Beach Adventure Featuring Relaxed Gameplay and a Captivating Story
InnoGames, one of Germany’s leading developers and publishers of mobile and browser games, is announcing Cozy Coast, an adventure game that combines an emotional storyline, richly developed characters, and engaging puzzle mechanics based on the popular Merge-2 system. The game will launch later this year on iOS and Android. Pre-registration is already available in selected regions.
With Cozy Coast, the studio highlights its versatility by introducing a new genre to its portfolio, which includes internationally acclaimed strategy games like Forge of Empires, Tribal Wars, and Heroes of History. The game combines a sunny, feel-good atmosphere with diverse entertainment, targeting discerning casual gamers who appreciate relaxing gameplay just as much as an engaging story.
Adventures Featuring Building Mechanics and Puzzle Challenges
In Cozy Coast, players accompany best friends Mia and Elara on a journey across the picturesque Mediterranean island of Calista. For Mia, the island holds treasured memories of a carefree childhood, yet the once idyllic place has somehow lost its charm. Together, the two young women set out on a mission to restore the original beauty of Calista.
Merging items is the central gameplay mechanic in Cozy Coast. By skillfully combining items, players fulfill the wishes of island residents while gathering resources to repair buildings and unlock new areas. Along the way, Mia and Elara encounter other characters and gradually uncover the island’s secrets. With its lovingly crafted environments, Cozy Coast invites players to explore every hidden corner of Calista.
“With Cozy Coast, we’re creating an inviting game world that offers players a break from everyday life while delivering challenging gameplay. For the first time in InnoGames’ history, we’re introducing a title that combines emotional storytelling with strategic merge mechanics. We look forward to welcoming players from around the world to Cozy Coast very soon,” says Christian Reshöft, Chief Product Officer at InnoGames.
Key Features of Cozy Coast
- Merge items: Strategically combine items to create new and higher-value objects
- Restore the seaside promenade: Renovate abandoned buildings to unlock new areas
- Adventure in paradise: Discover hidden places together with your best friend and uncover the secrets of a corporation with questionable intentions
- Characters with personality: Meet fascinating characters. Every encounter comes with a story – sometimes touching, sometimes mysterious, but always full of emotion
- Fresh challenges every day: Participate in daily, weekly, and seasonal events like exploration quests, puzzle collections, and special story-driven missions to receive exciting rewards and enjoy lasting gameplay
- Unwind in a Mediterranean setting: Experience stress-free gameplay paired with a captivating story of friendship, courage, and hope
- Free to play without restrictions: Launching soon worldwide on iOS and Android
Cozy Coast was already launched in selected regions on iOS and Android, with players giving it an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Pre-registration on the App Store and Google Play is now available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. More regions to follow soon.
The post InnoGames Unveils Cozy Coast, a Heartwarming Beach Adventure Featuring Relaxed Gameplay and a Captivating Story appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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