KSA fines on gaming operators backed by The Hague
District Court rules six-figure fines on Mansion and ComeOn were indeed compliant with EU law
The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) was legally able to fine two online gambling companies that offered services to Dutch customers, the District Court in The Hague has ruled.
The court case centred on a €150,000 fine issued to Mansion in 2014 and a €180,000 fine issued to ComeOn in 2015, both for targeting Dutch customers.
EGR understands both operators have paid the fines, but appealed to The Hague District Court in the hope of getting the penalties overturned.
However, the Court ruled late last week the KSA’s policies and its subsequent enforcement was indeed compliant with EU law.
As last resort the companies are able to appeal the decision to the Council of State, which is the supreme administrative court in The Netherlands.
The KSA said in a statement this morning it was pleased with the decision, and would continue to protect Dutch consumers from “illegal” gambling products.
The ruling also strengthens the KSA in its ongoing enforcement action against remote gaming operators, which some firms have labelled illegal under EU law.
Betsson, for instance, said it would ignore the regulator’s restrictions and called on the European Commission to re-open court proceedings against the KSA, labelling the country’s attempt to re-regulate a “monumental failure”.
UPDATE: Betsson told EGR Thursday the ruling was likely the first of many to come from domestic courts, but “it doesn’t change the fact that the KSA is not compliant with EU law”.