The Dutch gambling regulatory authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has meted out sanctions to two foreign operators, specifically Winning Poker Network and Goldwin. The firms rendered online services to Dutch gamblers without possessing the necessary Dutch permits.
The KSA instigated periodic penalty payments, cautioning the two enterprises of a growing penalty for each week of operation without a license within the Netherlands. In response to this action, Goldwin halted its operations in the country. However, Winning Poker Network persisted in welcoming Dutch gamblers on an alternative website.
Goldwin was found accepting wagers on its westcasino.com platform, despite not having a Dutch license. After being slapped with a periodic fine of $256,000 (converted from Euro), up to a cap of $767,870, the operator promptly ceased the acceptance of wagers.
Alternatively, Winning Poker Network initially indicated its intentions to desist from illegally serving the Dutch market after an early warning. However, even though the americascardroom.eu domain was rendered inaccessible to Dutch citizens, they continued to patronize the operator via its truepoker.eu site.
Consequently, the KSA was left with no option but to impel monetary fines.
Imposition of a Periodic Fine on Winning Poker Network
The infraction perpetrated by Winning Poker Network attracted a weekly fine of $26,770, up to a limit of $80,320. As pointed out by the KSA, the fine quantum is influenced by various elements, inclusive of the scale of the illegal business activity.
At the time of the original notification, the KSA noted that Winning Poker Network had not yet closed the other Netherlands’ site. The regulator committed to resume investigation post penalty settlement, underlining the potential need for supplementary enforcement measures if non-compliance with Dutch gambling laws persists.
The Dutch market is reputed for being among the most stringent in Europe, allowing only operators licensed by the KSA and mandating compliance with rigid rules designed to secure fair play and consumer safety.
René Jansen, the chairman of the KSA, expressed his commitment to suppressing illegal gambling activities and asserted that the authority will relentlessly strive to endorse licensed gaming entities while eliminating offenders.
On a similar enforcement note, Bingoal has been served a punitive measure, a fine of $428,000, for running promotions aimed at younger adults.
Recently, the KSA has also called for a revamp in the legislation to endow it with more powers to efficiently tackle illicit gambling activities. The regulator firmly believes that these legislative modifications will effect a significant positive transformation in the local market scenario.
