The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), also known as the Dutch Gaming Authority, has recently taken a firm stand against illegal online gambling activities by imposing a penalty payment order on Winbet NV. This move highlights the regulator’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the integrity of the Netherlands’ regulated gambling market.
According to the penalty details for compliance failure, Winbet NV has been accused of running online games of chance without the necessary licensing, which is a violation of Dutch gambling laws. The KSA’s investigation uncovered that Winbet operated gambling activities through four websites – galaxyspins.com, winnercasino1.bet, superb1.bet, and doctorspins.com – none of which have the required approvals to operate in the Netherlands.
As a result of these infractions, the KSA has imposed a penalty of €280,000 per week on Winbet, with the potential for the total penalty to reach a maximum of €840,000 if the illegal activities continue. The investigation revealed that Winbet allowed users from the Netherlands to participate in unlicensed gambling activities without implementing any technical measures to block access, as required by Dutch regulations.
The Netherlands’ gambling market is strictly regulated to protect players and mitigate the risks associated with unregulated gambling, such as fraud and addiction. The KSA’s crackdown on illegal operators is a crucial part of its efforts to maintain a safe gambling environment and ensure compliance with national regulations.
If Winbet does not cease its illegal operations, the weekly penalties will keep accumulating until the maximum fine is reached. This penalty system is designed to prompt swift compliance and serve as a deterrent to other potential violators. The KSA emphasizes, “The Netherlands has a regulated gambling market to better protect players. We are therefore taking tough action against illegal supply.”
The recent incident involving Winbet is not an isolated case. Just last week, the KSA issued a similar penalty to another operator, BlokDance, for conducting unlicensed gambling activities through two websites. Despite attempts to block Dutch players, further reviews revealed continued access, resulting in financial penalties similar to those imposed on Winbet.
The KSA remains steadfast in monitoring and enforcing compliance, sending a clear message to all operators within or targeting the Dutch market that adhering to licensing requirements is non-negotiable. This proactive approach is part of a broader strategy to cleanse the Dutch online gambling sector of unlicensed activities, enhance player safety, and preserve the market’s integrity.
