Two-dozen illegal gambling websites probed by KSA
Review of selected websites comes in the wake of online enforcement policy which came into effect on 1 November
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has singled out 25 gambling websites for an investigation to determine if Dutch players can access them.
The review, which could result in enforcement action, is taking place following the KSA changing its priority setting and policy on fines with regard to illegal providers from 1 November.
The new policy brought a range of amendments, including increasing fines to 4% of the illegal operator’s Dutch turnover if it exceeds €15m (£12.7m).
If the turnover is not known, the KSA will estimate or the amount, or if it less than €15m then the basic fine will be €600,000 (£510,000).
The KSA stated: “The selection of the 25 websites is a first step in the implementation of this policy. The reason for the new policy is that the amended Gambling Act has made it possible to legally offer games of chance via the internet since 1 October.
“At legal providers, participants in games of chance can play in a safe environment, in which there is a reliable game and sufficient attention for gambling addiction. An objective of the law is to ‘channel’ players from illegal to legal providers.”
Meanwhile, several online operators ensured that they were no longer accessible in the Netherlands since the policy change and when the regulated market went live on 1 October.
In September, KSA handed a €531,250 fine to Tipico for illegally offering online gambling to Dutch consumers.