WILLEMSTAD – A formal complaint has been filed against EM Group and its associated entities, accusing the Curaçao-based gambling conglomerate of regulatory misconduct, conflicts of interest, breaches of EU data protection laws (GDPR), and illegal gambling practices across Europe, particularly in Germany.
The complaint, submitted by a German citizen, outlines a series of troubling allegations, including EM Group’s direct violation of Germany’s national gambling law (GlüStV 2021) and its circumvention of the OASIS self-exclusion register—a mandatory consumer protection system for individuals vulnerable to gambling addiction.
Violation of Self-Exclusion Measures
According to the complainant, despite being officially registered in OASIS and legally barred from gambling in Germany, he was able to access multiple EM Group-operated casinos without restrictions. These platforms—such as 1Bet, Weltbet, and ZodiacBet—reportedly accepted deposits and allowed unrestricted gambling activity, leading to a personal crisis marked by financial ruin, severe psychological distress, and a life-threatening mental health episode.
“This is not an abstract issue—it is a real human tragedy,” the complaint states, “caused by EM Group's evasion of legal obligations and ethical responsibility.”
GDPR Breaches and Financial Disputes
The complaint also highlights alleged violations of the European Union's GDPR regulations. The individual claims that EM Group, through its subsidiary Bellona N.V., has refused to provide access to personal data and a transaction history for a disputed sum of €60,000 from 2022–2023.
Despite multiple formal requests, casinos under EM Group’s management reportedly denied full disclosure, breaching EU data protection rules. Several brands were mentioned as part of this pattern of non-compliance, including EmirBet, Dachbet, Pribet, Slotimo, and Hot.bet.
Accusations of Regulatory Obstruction and Corporate Manipulation
The individual further alleges that EM Group exploits its connection with Curaçao master license holder Antillephone N.V. to operate with minimal oversight. The group is accused of using shell companies and proxy directors to obscure beneficial ownership and avoid scrutiny. Several named individuals—including high-ranking figures within Curaçao’s corporate service industry—are alleged to be complicit in these structures.
Despite submitting complaints to the Curaçao Gaming Authority and other oversight bodies, the complainant reports receiving no response, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement in the jurisdiction.
International Operations Without Proper Licenses
EM Group is also accused of unlawfully operating in multiple jurisdictions, including Germany, the Netherlands, Malta, Cyprus, and the Isle of Man—often without valid local licenses. These activities allegedly expose consumers to illegal gambling operations and undermine tax, compliance, and consumer protection frameworks.
Ties to Delasport and Questions of Third-Party Complicity
The complaint further implicates Delasport, a known iGaming platform provider, in enabling EM Group’s international operations. It is alleged that Delasport provided the technical infrastructure that allowed EM Group to bypass gambling laws in restricted jurisdictions. Mr. Ilan Shemesh, a figure linked to Delasport, is also named as a person potentially aware of or involved in these unauthorized operations.
Call for Independent Investigation
The complainant has formally requested:
An independent investigation into EM Group and Antillephone N.V.;
A full audit of affiliated sub-licensees and corporate structures;
A GDPR compliance review;
Clarification of Curaçao’s licensing policy regarding operators in restricted markets;
Public accountability measures for master license holders.
The individual warns that if the matter continues to be ignored, it will be escalated to the German gambling regulator (GGL), EU data protection authorities, investigative media, and legal counsel.
This complaint is likely to add further pressure on Curaçao's ongoing efforts to reform its gambling legislation and licensing regime, which has faced international criticism for lax oversight and inadequate consumer protection.
