The Kansspelautoriteit, the Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA), has issued a substantial fine of €6.8 million to GoldWin Limited for unlawfully offering casino games to Dutch customers. The penalty is a result of GoldWin operating its website, westcasino.com, without the necessary license from the KSA. A comprehensive investigation revealed several violations of the Dutch Gambling Act (Wok), including the absence of technical measures to block Dutch customers from accessing the site and the failure to verify the ages of players.
Illegal Operations and Technical Oversights:
GoldWin Limited was found to be operating the website westcasino.com without the proper license, rendering it illegal under Dutch law. The site lacked essential technical measures such as an IP block to prevent Dutch customers from accessing it, allowing unrestricted participation in online gambling.
Non-Verification of Player Ages:
The investigation also unveiled that GoldWin failed to verify the ages of its players. This oversight posed significant concerns, as it made the website accessible to potentially underage gamblers.
KSA’s Warning and Order for Penalty:
The KSA first alerted GoldWin to its violations in January 2023, issuing a warning to cease illegal activities. When the operator did not comply, the KSA ordered penalty payments on April 20, 2023, which GoldWin refused to pay.
Substantial Penalty:
As a consequence of GoldWin’s refusal to comply with the order for penalty payments, the operator received a substantial fine of €6,794,000. The fine was calculated based on the estimated turnover generated from Dutch players.
Statement from KSA Chairman:
René Jansen, Chairman of the KSA, emphasized the effectiveness of incremental penalty payments in swiftly halting illegal operations. He also stressed that past illegal activities do not go unpunished, even if they have been previously committed.
The Kansspelautoriteit’s imposition of a €6.8 million fine on GoldWin Limited sends a clear message about the Dutch Gaming Authority’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the Dutch gambling market. This substantial penalty serves as a reminder of the consequences for operating without the required licenses and the importance of implementing responsible gambling measures, including age verification.