Dutch gaming regulator increases fines against illegal operators

Licensing

Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is changing its priority setting and fines policy with regard to illegal providers. A coherent package of measures will ensure that players opt for legal online offerings from 1 October. 

The reason for the changed prioritization and fines policy is the Remote Gambling Act (Koa). It legalizes and regulates online gambling in the Netherlands from 1 October, it is possible to legally offer games of chance online if the Gaming Authority has granted a license for this.

The fine for operators without a license will be significantly increased. These higher fines apply to cases that are under further investigation from 1 October.

If the turnover of an illegal provider exceeds 15 million euros, the fine is related to the turnover and amounts to 4 percent. If the turnover of the company is not known, the Gaming Authority will estimate the amount. If the turnover of the company in question is less than 15 million euros, the basic fine is 600,000 euros. In both cases, the fine can be higher if there are certain aggravating circumstances. This is the case, for example, if the illegal offer is aimed at minors, or if no information is provided about addiction prevention.

Chairman of the board René Jansen: ‘It must pay off to apply for a permit and to offer it legally instead of illegally. That also means that it must really hurt financially if an offer is made illegally.’

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