The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has been actively enforcing regulations in the online gambling sector in the Netherlands. Recent actions taken by the KSA include penalizing a licensed operator for breaching advertising rules and issuing warnings against illegal bonus schemes. These measures are aimed at ensuring compliance and protecting Dutch consumers in the newly regulated online gambling market.
Advertising Violations and Holland Casino:
In October 2021, the KSA discovered that an online gambling site had links leading to information about the company’s physical locations, which is prohibited by Dutch law. The Remote Games of Chance Decree explicitly states that online license holders cannot advertise services and goods beyond those permitted by their license. The KSA’s investigation concluded that Holland Casino, the licensed operator in question, had violated this provision. As Holland Casino holds a monopoly license for physical casino games and a separate license for online games, the KSA instructed the operator to remove all advertising and recruitment activities related to its physical locations from its online gambling website.
Crackdown on Cashback Bonuses:
The KSA also recently issued a warning to all licensed providers of online games of chance regarding the provision of cashback bonuses. The regulatory body stated that offering cashback bonuses, which allow players to win back part of their losses, is illegal in the Netherlands. Such bonuses lower the financial threshold for gambling and encourage risk-taking behavior. Licensed operators were urged to cease offering cashback bonuses to comply with Dutch regulations and protect players from potential harm.
Combatting Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing:
The KSA has not only focused on advertising violations and bonus schemes but also on combating money laundering and terrorist financing in the online gambling sector. In a recent move, the KSA issued instructions to two online operators for violating the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Prevention) Act. These instructions aim to ensure that operators implement adequate measures to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing activities within their platforms, thus safeguarding the integrity of the online gambling industry.
The KSA’s recent actions demonstrate its commitment to enforcing regulations and maintaining a secure and responsible online gambling market in the Netherlands. By penalizing advertising violations, warning against illegal bonus schemes, and combatting money laundering, the regulatory body aims to protect consumers and promote a fair and transparent gambling environment. These measures emphasize the KSA’s dedication to upholding the integrity of the online gambling industry while ensuring compliance with Dutch laws and regulations.