Summary
- The Netherlands Gambling Authority has closed down 20 illegal gambling apps in the country.
- This is part of the authority’s renewed efforts to target specific illegal gambling activities.
- The regulator similarly imposed a fine on a company it believed failed to exclude Dutch players.
The Netherlands Gambling Authority, known locally as the Kansspelautoriteit, has intensified its efforts to restrict the presence of unauthorized gambling apps within the country, actively shutting down individual operators.
20 apps targeted by Dutch gambling watchdog in Q1
In the first quarter of the year, the Netherlands Gambling Authority successfully removed 20 apps identified as offering illegal gambling products. This underscores the crucial role consumers play in this process. The regulator emphasized that consumers can report these apps themselves, enabling quicker action against illegal offerings. The Authority requested that such reports include the app’s name. The KSA (our Dutch acronym) greatly depends on consumers continuing to report these apps so that we can maintain this effort year-round. It's vital that any gambling advertising reports specify the app's name, stated the Authority in a translated communication. The Netherlands Gambling Authority has intensified its focus on individual apps due to the growing urgency of the issue. The regulator noted that many apps and websites are accessible to minors, potentially leading to gambling-related harm and addiction in the country. Additionally, these apps have become increasingly sophisticated in their marketing, sometimes using the logos of licensed providers to create the illusion of legitimacy, misleading consumers into thinking they are secure choices for online casino games.
Dutch regulator won’t hesitate to mete out stiff punishments
The regulator has emphasized the importance of combating attempts to influence players and guide them toward unlicensed black market operations that are not sanctioned by the Netherlands Gambling Authority. This is not the only regulatory action the watchdog has taken recently. In a separate case, the Netherlands Gambling Authority has targeted Techno Offshore Limited, accusing the company of operating an online casino without a license. The authority has imposed a €1.2 million ($1.32 million) fine on the company, stating that the website failed to restrict access to Dutch players.
