The Dutch gaming regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), is currently responsible for regulating and observing gambling activities within the country. The regulatory body is vigilant in monitoring legal provisions for Dutch customers, placing great importance on safeguarding these customers from unlicensed operators. Earlier this week, the KSA announced the enforcement of a fine totalling $1 million on an operator for providing services illegally to Dutch customers.
The operator at the receiving end of this penalty is betworld247.com, owned by MKC Limited. The KSA slapped the operator with a substantial financial burden of €900,000 ($954,300), after it was established that the operator was providing online games of chance without obtaining the necessary licensing. Any operator wishing to cater to the Dutch market needs to secure a permit to provide games of chance. Those lacking such a permit are essentially in violation of the Dutch Gambling Act.
In the case involving betworld247.com, the KSA reported that their investigation found that Dutch customers were allowed to register and participate in online games of chance. The regulator pointed out that the operator failed to introduce technical measures to restrict Dutch customers from registering. These preventive measures might include IP address blocks for Dutch customers or rejecting registrations with Dutch address details. Furthermore, the KSA revealed that, during their investigation, effective age verification of the participating customers was “not noticeably carried out” by the operator.
“The Gaming Authority (KSA) has imposed a fine of €900,000 on MKC Limited for offering illegal games of chance. Dutch players could participate in online gambling on the website betworld247.com, owned by MKC Limited. MKC Limited does not have a permit for this and is therefore in violation of the Gambling Act,“
said the KSA in an official statement
Self-Declaration of Age Without Adequate Verification Accomplices
In a recent development, the KSA’s chair, René Jansen, declared his intentions to vacate the position by 2024. Earlier this month, it was revealed that. the decision was taken in light of his term nearing its end. According to Jansen, he doesn’t intend to reapply for the role, suggesting that the Dutch gaming authority is most likely examining current applications for a new chairperson. Added to this, Jansen is set to reach retirement age by the end of the year, likely contributing to his decision not to reapply for the role.
“At MKC Limited, players could enter an age themselves without clear identification. This means that their website is also accessible to very vulnerable, underage players.“
René Jansen, chairperson of the KSA
In addressing the recent penalty imposed on MKC Limited, Jansen stated that the website allowed users to self-declare their age without requisite verification. He noted that this practice exposed the site to underage users and other vulnerable populations. Jansen characterized this as a “blameworthy act” and reiterated his view about the unregulated gambling market’s lack of stringent player protection which is typically expected in the regulated sector.
