The Dutch Gaming Authority (Ksa) has imposed a fine of 300,000 euros on the company WHG (International) Limited. 

WHG has offered games of chance to Dutch consumers via the website williamhill.com. Offering (online) games of chance without a license is prohibited in the Netherlands under current legislation.

During the investigation, the Ksa found that the website williamhill.com was accessible from the Netherlands. Furthermore, the Netherlands (‘the Netherlands’) was in the drop-down menu, customer service was accessible from the Netherlands and payment could be made via IDEAL at various Dutch banks (IDEAL can only be used by a payer who has a Dutch bank account).

Through the site of WHG, Dutch consumers could play casino games such as blackjack, roulette and poker. It was also possible to take bets on sports competitions and play on fruit machines. During the investigation the Ksa also encountered two gambling apps from WHG.

Foreign providers of online games of chance must respect Dutch law. For example, they can adjust the settings of their websites so that they can not be seen with Dutch IP addresses (‘geoblocking’). In enforcing the law, the Ksa focuses primarily on suppliers who focus on the Dutch consume.