Two Unlicensed Operators Sanctioned by Dutch Gambling Regulator KSA
Dutch gambling regulator has cracked the whip on two unlicensed iGaming operators and warned them to leave the country or face hefty fines.
Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has cracked the whip on two unlicensed operators; and forced them to shutdown operators and withdraw from the Netherlands. The operators, LCS and MKC were given the option to make their websites inaccessible to Dutch players or they will be fined €165,000 and €84,000, respectively.
Under the current rules set by the Netherlands; unlicensed operators need to ensure that their websites are inaccessible to Dutch players; as players from the country are not allowed to create an account or gamble at unlicensed casinos. The Dutch gambling regulator carried out an investigation and discovered that both LCS and MKC were still open to Dutch players in clear violation of the country’s policies.
Operators Decide To Exit Dutch Market
KSA asked both operators to leave the Dutch market immediately or they will have to pay hefty fines. Both operators decided that it was best for them to leave the market; and no longer provide their services to Dutch players; KSA has stated they will keep a check to ensure that they remain inaccessible to Dutch players.
The withdrawal of both these operators came after KSA published a review of the iGaming market for the past year. Rene Jansen, who the chair of the KSA, stated that the authority ensuring that the Dutch online gaming market becomes safer and fairer for all players. The restrictions imposed on illegal and unlicensed operators are in line with the mission of KSA.
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KSA Issues Warning to Dutch Players
The gambling regulator also issued a warning to Dutch players to stop playing at unlicensed casinos and withdraw their remaining. The Netherlands legalized online gambling in October, 2021 which enables players to enjoy licensed online gaming. The Dutch gambling watchdog does not want Dutch players to patronize unlicensed sites as it harms the legalized iGaming industry in the country.
Since the introduction of regulated gambling, KSA has started investigating illegal and unlicensed platforms as these illegal sites eat into the revenues of the legalized iGaming market. In late 2021, KSA announced that there around 25 unlicensed websites under investigation. Since then, the number of unlicensed operators under investigation has increased; and KSA is actively probing operators and enforcing the new rules.
This has resulted in many unlicensed casinos pulling out from the Dutch market; and making the casinos completely inaccessible to Dutch players. This impromptu action of unlicensed casinos can result in players not being able to access their accounts or funds and losing them in the process.
In response, KSA has advised players to hastily withdraw their funds from unlicensed casinos to avoid losing their funds. The authority has also emphasized that there are a lot of regulated casinos that players can access and enjoy fair and safe gaming.
KSA – Dutch Gambling Watchdog
Kansspelautoriteit is an independent administrative body that operates in the European part of the Netherlands. Its main objective is to regulate and supervise gambling services in the country. KSA is also responsible for issuing licenses to operators in the Dutch market; and it conducts thorough checks to ensure that they meet all required conditions before issuing one.
The authority was established on the 1st of April; 2012 and run by a board of directors which appointed by the Minister for Legal Protection of the country. While the regulator mainly checks casinos for illegal activity and ensures that they operate transparently; it also makes sure that they offer a safe gaming environment and that the players well protected.
The regulator ensures that the operators are fair to the players and they offer ample support to discourage illegal gaming and gambling addictions.
