The Dutch Gaming Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has taken action against Blue High House, issuing a cease and desist order with the potential for substantial penalties. The KSA’s investigation into the website, www.betonline.ag, revealed that Blue High House was allowing players to engage in games of chance without the necessary license, violating Article 1 of the Gambling Act.
Investigation and Cease and Desist Order:
The investigation into Blue High House’s website began on December 7, 2021, with two agents from the KSA opening a case against the site. It was discovered that players could create accounts from the Netherlands, with the country and Dutch flag automatically selected during sign-up.
Ongoing Investigation:
The investigation has been ongoing, with the KSA closely monitoring whether any measures were implemented to prevent Dutch players from accessing the website. It was revealed that between May 2022 and May 2023, the website received 136,569 visits from Dutch players.
Penalty Order and Cease and Desist Notice:
On June 29, 2023, the KSA issued a letter expressing its intent to impose a penalty order against Blue High House. However, Blue High House did not respond to this notice. On August 9, 2023, a KSA supervisor confirmed that it was still possible for players in the Netherlands to participate in games of chance on the website. Consequently, the KSA has issued a cease and desist order with the potential for a weekly penalty payment of €43,000. The maximum penalty that can be imposed at this time is €129,000.
Recent Penalties by the KSA:
This is not the only instance of penalties imposed by the Dutch Gaming Authority. Just last week, the KSA fined LCS Limited €2.1 million for operating without a license.
The KSA’s cease and desist order and potential penalties against Blue High House serve as a clear demonstration of the Dutch Gaming Authority’s commitment to enforcing regulations and ensuring compliance within the gambling industry. The case highlights the importance of proper licensing and adherence to gambling laws in the Netherlands.