1xBet Fined in the Netherlands
The Dutch Gaming Authority (Ksa) has imposed a fine of €400,000 on 2 companies that are behind the gambling websites 1xbet.com and xbet-1.com.
Research by the Ksa has shown that during a certain period both gambling websites could be approached from the Netherlands. The Dutch language was also used and payment could be made via the Dutch payment method iDeal. Many games of chance were offered, including live casino games such as roulette and blackjack. Further investigation revealed that Exinvest Limited and 1X Corp. NV are behind another 83 Dutch gambling websites. Logging in to these websites was possible with the same player account.
René Jansen, chairman of the board of directors of the Ksa: ‘Online gambling in the Netherlands is illegal. Under the current legal regime for companies it is not possible to get a license for offering online games of chance. Consumers are not assured of a safe game on an honest market with illegal providers. ‘
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 consumer.