The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling authority, has released a report detailing its efforts to combat illegal gambling activities in the Netherlands during the first half of this year. These interventions include the introduction of penalty payments against operators, actions against non-compliant websites, investigations into social media campaigns, and measures to address the use of cryptocurrency payments for illegal gambling.
Penalty Payments and Operator Compliance:
One of the notable changes in the KSA’s intervention process is the introduction of penalty payments against operators. The report highlights that this addition has prompted many companies to cease their illegal operations. In late 2022, eight operators faced fines as a result of illegal gambling investigations, with a total penalty amount of €30 million disclosed in spring.
Since the beginning of 2023, the KSA has imposed penalties on three providers, and further reports and penalties are in progress.
Addressing Advertising Circumvention:
The report also addresses issues related to gambling advertising targeting the Dutch market. The KSA identified that four out of the eight most-visited gambling websites advertising to Dutch consumers had bypassed Cruks, the self-exclusion register for gamblers. To combat this, the KSA implemented Notice and Takedown measures against the offenders and updated the Cruks scheme.
Additionally, the report highlights that 32 investigations were conducted on social media campaigns by gambling companies, with several reported to Meta and subsequently shut down.
Monitoring Cryptocurrency Payments:
With the increasing popularity of cryptocurrency payments, especially for funding deposits on illegal gambling sites, the KSA’s inspectors are now using Bitcoin transactions to assess whether Dutch customers can circumvent restrictions. This proactive approach led to the identification of six sites offering illegal gambling services to players, resulting in sanctions.
Land-Based Venue Actions:
The report also notes that the KSA conducted 42 raids or municipal actions against land-based gambling venues in the first half of the year. These actions, carried out by police teams, often involved the seizure of illegal materials, such as slot machines.
The Kansspelautoriteit’s comprehensive efforts to combat illegal gambling operations in the Netherlands during the first half of 2023 reflect its commitment to maintaining a regulated and compliant gambling environment. By introducing penalty payments, addressing advertising circumvention, monitoring cryptocurrency payments, and taking action against land-based venues, the KSA is working diligently to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the Dutch gambling market.