iGaming Circle Costa Del Sol began in 2026 as a community for women who work in online gambling and live on the coast. Since the first event in June 2026, the WhatsApp group has grown to more than 90 women.
Only now, in October 2026, is the WhatsApp group opening to men too. From here on, both the group and the events are open to everyone in the industry.
A test event in July
We tried the idea first. At our second event, in July 2026, men could join as partners, friends and colleagues of members. It was a success.
Why now
“We are a male-dominated industry, and we realised there is a huge need for men to meet here on the coast too,” says co-founder Catie Di Stefano.
Most members lived in Malta before moving to Spain. There, the industry is so concentrated that colleagues meet all the time. On the Costa Del Sol, offices are spread between Málaga and Marbella and many people work from home.
A women-only channel stays
The group was already a safe space for women to chat, and we discussed internally how to keep it that way. We decided to keep a separate channel inside the WhatsApp group for women only. All the other channels are open to every member.
The channels
- General. The main open chat, where we talk and introduce new members.
- Meet-ups. Small, spontaneous get-togethers between members who want to meet.
- Happenings. Local events along the coast that have nothing to do with gaming.
- Recruiting. Jobs and opportunities. You can also post that you are looking for a job.
- iGaming Sisterhood. The separate channel for women only.
What stays the same
The idea is unchanged: a personal circle, not a huge network. Events stay small, they move from town to town, and every member is someone who really works in the industry and lives here.
Next event: 16 October
The first event since the group opened is an after-work padel session with food and networking in San Pedro de Alcántara on Friday 16 October 2026. We hope it will bring more men into the WhatsApp group.
To join the group, fill in the short form on the membership page.