Curacao was one of the first locations to offer online sports book companies a safe haven from which to operate. One of the provisions for obtaining a sports betting license from the Government of the Netherlands Antilles is that an operator shall not offer its online gambling products to the residents of the island. But a new sports betting product that uses the internet to place a bet does just that. iSports Stands is a betting kiosk that allows its customers to use a credit card to make picks on sports. Designed for use in areas outside of the gaming floors, hotels that have a casino but not a sportsbook can now offer sports betting to their patrons. Winners are issued credits, which they can cash out with a cashier or use for more betting. The iSports Stand also has non-gambling functions. You can use a credit card to buy a show ticket or an island tour for example. Another feature, and one attractive to the casino owners, is the kiosk’s ability to serve adds. Businesses can advertise on the kiosk’s side panels and via banner ads on the kiosk screen.
In Curacao, the Casino Awasa in the Otrobanda Hotel was one of the first to offer the iSports Stand. “I have had a lot of requests for sports betting over the years and have always had to send people somewhere else to make their bets. Now the Otrobanda is able to offer this service, without remodeling or hiring additional employees.” said Martin Eustatia, manager of the Otrobanda Hotel.
The iSports kiosks hit Las Vegas in late January, and have started appearing in greater numbers on and off the strip. Bill Stearns is president of kiosk manufacturer ISI Ltd. of Las Vegas, maker of the iSports Stand, and he says the machines can’t ever hope to replace the Las Vegas sports book experience.” Similar to banks, bank tellers still exist and have their functions," Stearns said. "We're ATMs for sports books." Stearns went on to say that he expects sports wagering to increase overall as betting becomes more convenient.
