The Netherlands regulator has imposed a record-breaking fine on the operator Novatech after it was found to have run illegal gambling sites and breaking anti-money laundering (AML) rules.
A massive fine of more than €24 million was leveled at the company, which Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) argued could have been more. Another company, Fortaprime, was also hit with a smaller fine of €1.75 million.
Serious consumer protection and AML failures, says KSA
Investigators by the authority found Dutch users could create accounts, deposit money and gamble on several websites operated by the companies, including luckymax7.com and Qbet.com The sites lacked technical measures to block players from the Netherlands and failed to provide visible age verification, the regulator said.
Authorities added players could also make payments using cryptocurrency and anonymous methods, spiking concerns about potential money laundering. Both companies had previously been issued penalty payment orders.
The KSA said it calculated the fines based on estimated revenue generated from Dutch players, as allowed when standard penalties are considered too low relative to illegal earnings. The fine against Novatech is the largest the regulator has imposed on an illegal gambling operator.
AML is front of mind for many European gambling regulators ahead of the launch of the European Union’s new agency formed to fight dirty money. The Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) is being established in Frankfurt, with a view to being fully operational by 2028.
AMLA will directly supervise 40 financial institutions across the EU considered to pose the highest risk. The authority said it will finalise its risk assessment methodology in 2026 before beginning the selection process in 2027, according to its 2026–2028 plan.
Fines could have been more, regulator argues
Michel Groothuizen, chair of the regulatory body’s board, was scathing in his awarding of the fine, arguing Novatech could have received a much harsher punishment were it not for a cap in place.
Dutch law caps fines at 10% of an operator’s global turnover, limiting the penalty regulators could impose despite the seriousness of the violations.
In a statement, he said: “Novatech earned hundreds of millions from its illegal offering, primarily from Dutch players. A fine of €24 million sounds impressive, but without the 10% maximum, the fine would have exceeded €100 million; an amount that would be more appropriate for this offense.”
The KSA has issued at least about €26 million in fines over the past year as part of a crackdown on illegal operators and rule-breaking licensed companies.
Major penalties included €19.7 million against offshore operator Gammix and €4 million against Unibet for player-protection failures, alongside smaller fines against several unlicensed gambling providers. The regulator has also issued additional penalty orders and enforcement actions that could increase the total if violations continue. The campaign reflects intensifying oversight of the country’s regulated online gambling market.
Dutch influencers promoted illegal sites
The investigation also found that illegal gambling platforms linked to Fortaprime were promoted by Dutch social media influencers. Under Dutch law, advertising unlicensed gambling services is prohibited, including through online personalities and affiliate marketers. Regulators said influencers who promote such sites may also face financial penalties or enforcement action.
The Netherlands legalized and regulated online gambling in 2021 through the Remote Gambling Act, known as the KOA Act. The law created a licensing system for operators and established strict rules governing advertising, player protection and responsible gambling.
The KSA works with payment providers, banks, hosting companies and technology firms to identify and disrupt illegal gambling networks. Officials say these partnerships help block financial flows and online access to illegal platforms, strengthening consumer protection and supporting licensed operators in the regulated market.
Polymarket fined by KSA
Last month, the authority penalized prediction markets platform Polymarketfor offering what it considers illegal gambling to players in the Netherlands. The KSA said the platform, operated by Adventure One, does not hold a Dutch license.
The KSA said Polymarket has gained attention in recent months, particularly for contracts tied to political events. Among them were markets related to Dutch elections, which the regulator said had attracted growing interest from local users seeking to wager on outcomes.
Authorities said they had previously asked the operator to stop offering its services in the Netherlands and to cease accepting payments from Dutch players. However, the KSA said the platform remained accessible, prompting the regulator to impose a penalty payment of €420,000 per week, up to a maximum of €840,000, with the possibility of additional turnover-based fines.
“In addition to the social dangers of this type of prediction, such as potential influence on elections, we consider this illegal gambling,” said Ella Seijsener, the KSA’s director of permits and supervision. “Those without a KSA license have no place in our market.”
