The Dutch Gaming Authority (Ksa) will increase its fines for illegal online games of chance with effect from 1 March 2019. The updated penalty policy rules assume a starting fine of 200,000 euros.

The starting fine in the updated penalty policy is the same for all offenders. Subsequently, on the basis of the specific violations, the amount of 200,000 euros will be increased or decreased. The number of websites on which illegal online games of chance are offered, the number of games and the level of prizes and bonuses are circumstances that influence the level of the final fine.

“The fines we used were not terrifying enough,” says René Jansen, chairman of the board of directors of the Ksa. ‘The Senate recently adopted the bill on remote games of chance, which makes it possible to apply for a license in time for offering gambling via the internet. Illegal games of chance continue to fight the Ksa firmly. Now and later. The intention of the law is to create an attractive legal online gaming offer, which makes it possible for consumers to play safely on a fair market. There is no room for illegal providers. That is why we intend to thoroughly review our penalties policy for the future. The updating of the fines policy is now only a first step. ‘