Operators warned of steep penalties as regulator intensifies crackdown on illegal gambling.
The Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has issued stern warnings to two unlicensed operators, Techno Offshore Limited and Novatech Solutions N.V., for continuing to offer online gambling in the Netherlands despite lacking the required local licences.
The regulator announced that both operators face fines of €280,000 per week, up to a maximum of €840,000, if they fail to cease operations in the country.
KSA Chair Criticizes Deliberate Evasion
Michel Groothuizen, chair of the KSA, condemned the sophisticated tactics employed by some illegal operators to circumvent enforcement. “We see providers without a KSA licence who really do their best to keep Dutch players out, but also many parties who don’t seem to care,” he said.
Groothuizen highlighted the pattern of some operators halting illegal offerings on one website only to resume operations on another site under the same ownership. “We therefore take tough action against these types of parties that deliberately violate the rules,” he added.
Investigations Reveal Persistent Violations
Techno Offshore Limited was found to be operating two websites, nolimitbet.com and simplecasino.com, that allowed users in the Netherlands to create accounts, deposit funds, and gamble. Although a follow-up inspection in June revealed the initial test accounts had been blocked, the KSA discovered new accounts could still be created, signaling deliberate evasion of enforcement.
Novatech Solutions N.V. faced scrutiny over its site Qbet.com. While the website was no longer active during a September inspection, the KSA uncovered evidence that the operator had shifted operations to other sites, including 55bet.com.
“The provider clearly shows that it wants to circumvent enforcement by the KSA,” the regulator stated.
Stiff Penalties and Industry Action
In addition to targeting individual operators, the KSA has ramped up its enforcement efforts against unlicensed gambling providers, issuing significant fines in recent months. Notably, Blue High House was fined €1.1 million earlier this month for continuing unlicensed operations despite a previous penalty.
Complementing the KSA’s efforts, two Dutch gambling trade associations, the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) and Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders (VNLOK), have launched a new reporting platform, Meld Vals Spel (“False Gambling Reporting Point”). The platform, accessible via Meldvalsspel.nl, allows licensed operators, partners, and stakeholders to report illegal gambling practices, such as excessive bonuses, inadequate age verification, or player protection violations.
Ongoing Battle Against Illegal Operators
The KSA’s intensified crackdown and industry collaboration underscore the Netherlands’ commitment to ensuring a regulated gambling environment that prioritizes player protection and compliance. However, as operators employ increasingly sophisticated methods to evade enforcement, the regulator faces ongoing challenges in maintaining control over the market.
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