Ahead of SBC Summit, SBC News sits down for an exclusive interview with George van Zinnicq Bergmann, Founder of EM Group, on navigating the evolving challenges of modern iGaming operations.

The iGaming industry’s rapid evolution has created unprecedented challenges for operators navigating complex regulatory landscapes. We sat down with George van Zinnicq Bergmann, founder of EM Group, at his Curaçao office to discuss how the compliance game has changed since he started the company back in 2005.

SBC News: Congratulations are in order – EM Group turns 20 next month. From your perspective as founder, how has the industry evolved over these two decades?

George van Zinnicq Bergmann: Thank you! Yes, 20 years – time flies when you’re dealing with constant regulatory changes. When we started in 2005, there were hardly any jurisdictions with compliance frameworks. The transformation has been remarkable, really.

SBC News: How so?

George: In the beginning, this was an industry that was regulated between the participating parties only: the operators and the players. With growth came intervention of governments in the form of regulatory frameworks. Nowadays, you cannot imagine this industry without regulation. With it, comes compliance demands and we have developed ourselves into specialists to ease them for our clients.

Take license applications for example. What used to be a short process has become incredibly detailed and time intensive. Today’s applications require extensive documentation and detailed business plans. The due diligence processes are thorough – and rightfully so – but they can take many months to complete.

You’re looking at detailed background checks and at financial and operational assessments. Once licensed, operators need to operate within a comprehensive compliance framework with proof of real local presence. 

SBC: That sounds frustrating for operators.

George: It is. This complexity is the reason why we  expanded overseas. We have people on the ground in each market who understand the local nuances – what works in Malta might not work in Curaçao. Each jurisdiction has its own specific requirements. Our teams work directly with local regulators, so we can guide operators through these differences and help them avoid costly missteps that could delay market entry.

SBC: Beyond the complexity of license applications, what other hurdles are operators facing nowadays?

George: I wouldn’t call them hurdles, really. The industry has matured significantly, and with that comes greater responsibility – which is positive for the sector’s long-term sustainability. Robust compliance and responsible gaming are now essential business norms, not just regulatory boxes to tick. 

The operators who embrace this understand that proper compliance and responsible gaming measures strengthen their business model and build trust with regulators, payment providers, and ultimately their customers.

And It’s not only about license applications, though. In the Netherlands for instance, we assist operators specifically with being compliant with player fund segregation. And we are trying to expand this service to other jurisdictions.

SBC: You mentioned that compliance is now an essential business norm. Can you elaborate on this and explain how EM Group steps in?

George: Compliance isn’t a one-and-done thing anymore. It’s ongoing, it’s evolving and, honestly, it’s becoming more subjective. Regulators want to see genuine business substance, real local presence, proper procedures. The checkbox mentality doesn’t cut it.

Our approach is hands-on and practical. Our experienced teams understand the specific requirements – not just the written regulations, but how they’re implemented and enforced.

We work with operators from the ground up, helping them establish proper KYC procedures, implement responsible gaming frameworks, and build compliance systems that actually work in practice. It’s about creating sustainable processes that regulators recognise as genuine, not just meeting minimum requirements on paper.

SBC: EM Group primarily operates across three jurisdictions now. Was that always the plan?

George: Not exactly. We started in Curaçao since that’s where I moved in 2000, and it was pure coincidence that we ended up in this industry in the first place. We focused on international e-commerce first, but over time we started to recognise the potential of this industry. Malta was the obvious choice to expand to then, being the iGaming hub with an EU license. 

When the regulatory landscape kept evolving, we more and more turned from corporate services providers into compliance specialists. Our office in the Netherlands is a good example of that: we combined our corporate services experience and compliance knowledge into a unique product for licensed operators in the Netherlands. 

SBC: Which jurisdiction has surprised you the most?

George: That would be Malta for sure. It is very impressive how Malta turned the opportunity of being an online gaming hub into building an important economic pillar for the country in not more than 15 years. 

SBC News: You offer a broad range of services from licensing to back-office support. What makes EM Group different from other service providers in such a complex market?

George: We designed our services to be broad on purpose. These days, operators want strategic partners, not just services providers. They need experts who understand all the regulatory, and corporate complexities of their business, and can handle everything smoothly. Plus, local presence is increasingly important; remote admin support isn’t enough anymore. Corporate and compliance services are converging, meaning providers need expertise in governance, risk, and regulatory alignment to truly deliver value. 

We try to be a real partner to our clients, not just another service provider. It’s all about understanding what each operator needs and tailoring our solutions to fit the unique rules of each market.

SBC: Any success stories you’re particularly proud of?

George: Over nearly two decades, we’ve seen many success stories. I am really proud to see that some of our earliest clients have grown into being undeniable industry leaders. And I am proud that they are still with us.

One story that stands out is an early blockchain-based casino that boldly entered uncharted waters—especially for Curaçao, where regulators were still learning about the technology. They needed a partner who could bridge innovation with compliance, and EM Group stepped in. Leveraging deep local expertise and strong regulatory relationships, we guided the project from concept to license.

This wasn’t just about approval; it marked a turning point proving that Curaçao could support next-gen gaming platforms. 

SBC: How important is team culture when you’re spread across three markets?

George:  Our teams are what I am most proud of. Our culture is our everything and that is how it has always been from the beginning. We are very informal, approachable and hands-on and having fun is an important part of our daily routines.

SBC: How does your hands-on approach shape client relationships?

George: This approach runs through our entire organisation. Everyone on our team brings specific expertise, but the real difference is accessibility. When clients know they can reach the right person directly—without navigating layers of hierarchy—it changes everything. 

We guide clients by understanding them first. That’s one of our core principles. And you can’t do that effectively if people are stuck behind rigid corporate structures or endless phone trees.

SBC: I understand you’ll be at SBC Summit Lisbon?

George: Absolutely. We’ve recently appointed Stefanie Knoester as Co-CEO. She brings extensive industry experience and has worked across our offices in the Netherlands, Malta, and Curaçao. She’ll be attending alongside Arran McCarthy, our Commercial Director, who’s known for his understanding of commercial and regulatory dynamics. 

We believe these events are key opportunities for operators – new or existing – to ask tough, face-to-face questions. Whether it’s licensing hurdles, or regulatory challenges, we’re there to help navigate it all. I would recommend anyone with serious intentions to make an appointment with EM Group. 

SBC: Any advice for operators choosing service providers?

George: Don’t cut corners. Seriously. This isn’t the time to save a few euros. Ask about their actual experience, success rates, and relationships with regulators and banks. Ensure they have real, on-the-ground presence in the jurisdictions that matter to you. Operators, game- and platform providers, who recognise this early and build strong, strategic partnerships are the ones who will thrive long-term—with reputations to match.

The EM Group team will be attending SBC Summit Lisbon from 16th to 18th September. You can meet them there for more details on their compliance, licensing, and corporate services, or contact them at the-emgroup.com.