The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) in the Netherlands has taken a tough stance against BlockDance BV for operating unlicensed online gambling platforms. This move emphasizes the country’s dedication to regulating the gambling market and safeguarding consumers.
Regulatory action following violations:
BlockDance, which was found to be operating the gambling sites bc.game and bcgame.lu, initially complied with KSA’s instructions to block access from the Netherlands. However, subsequent monitoring revealed that access was reinstated, leading KSA to impose a penalty order. The company now faces a potential fine of €280,000 per week if it does not cease its operations in the Netherlands within four weeks, with a maximum penalty cap of €840,000.
The investigation into BlockDance’s activities uncovered several compliance failures, including allowing Dutch players to create accounts, make deposits, and gamble without any barriers to prevent participation from the Netherlands. This oversight has resulted in significant regulatory scrutiny.
The Netherlands has a regulated gambling landscape aimed at providing better protection for players. In line with this framework, the KSA takes a tough stance against unlicensed operators. “The Netherlands has a regulated gambling market to better protect players,” the KSA stated. “We therefore take tough action against illegal offers.”
Broader implications for the gambling market:
This incident comes at a time when industry trade bodies are calling for increased monitoring of the black market in the Netherlands. Data from the KSA indicates a lower-than-expected channelization rate, suggesting that a significant portion of Dutch gambling revenue is still flowing to unlicensed sites.
Organizations like the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) and Licensed Dutch Online Gambling Providers (VNLOK) are pushing for stricter oversight to ensure that the majority of gambling activities occur within the regulated framework, aiming for a channelization rate that accurately reflects market realities.
The outcome of this enforcement action could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, especially as the Dutch market adapts to address the challenges of online gambling and black market suppression.
