The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA), also known as Kansspelautoriteit, has levied a substantial fine of €900,000 (approximately $952,000) on MKC Limited for offering illegal games of chance. This penalty comes in response to Dutch players accessing online gambling services via MKC’s website ‘betworld247.com,’ which was operated without the required license, thus violating the Gambling Act.
Details of the Fine:
MKC Limited, the owner of ‘betworld247.com,’ was penalized for allowing Dutch players to participate in online gambling. The KSA uncovered that visitors to the website were able to create accounts using Dutch address details, log in, and engage in various online games of chance.
The regulator further revealed that the website did not implement any technical measures to prevent Dutch participants from bypassing IP blocks, making access to the site even easier. Additionally, the age verification process for players was found to be inadequate.
René Jansen, Chairman of the KSA’s Statement:
René Jansen, Chairman of the KSA, emphasized the seriousness of the offense, particularly the website’s lax age verification process, allowing even underage and highly vulnerable individuals to participate in online gambling. This disregard for player safety contributed as an aggravating factor in determining the substantial fine imposed by the KSA.
Jansen stated, “This is a seriously culpable offence, which we have also included as an increasing factor for the fine. It shows once again that in many cases little attention seems to be paid to the safety of players on the illegal market.”
Continued Vigilance:
This fine is part of the KSA’s ongoing efforts to maintain strict regulatory control over the Dutch gambling market and enforce the recently introduced legal framework for online gambling. In another recent incident, the KSA issued a penalty payment against Blue High House for continuing to supply games of chance in the Netherlands after an investigation and a formal warning letter from the Authority.
Market Observations:
The KSA has recently reported that the growth of gambling accounts in the Netherlands is starting to plateau, with revenue increases becoming less significant. The legal online gambling market in the Netherlands has experienced growth, but at a slower rate compared to previous periods.
The KSA’s €900,000 fine against MKC Limited reinforces the authority’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the Dutch gambling market. This action serves as a deterrent to operators who might consider offering illegal gambling services in the Netherlands. The KSA continues to closely monitor the market to ensure compliance with the country’s gambling regulations.