Dutch gaming regulator launches investigation on gambling websites

Shortly before the online gambling ban is lifted for licence holders, operators and advertisers are checked for illegal activity

The Dutch gaming regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) launches a new investigation of illegal gambling websites, only a few months before the online advertisement ban is lifted for license holders. The KSA stated that the current time, as the market is opening, were crucial to stop illegal operators and advertisers who wanted to “make a quick move”, igamingbusiness.com reported.

Investigations of this kind are normal and occur periodically, with the most recent strike knocking up 44 websites. 26 of them featured online advertisements. Most sites removed the ads when confronted by the KSA, receiving no further penalty, with three sites being subject to further investigation. A Curacao-licensed operator was fined €600.000 in January for offering online gambling to Dutch citizens.

The Remote Gambling Act, coming into effect on April 1 2021, has enabled operators to apply for a license to offer and advertise online gaming products. Legal activities granted the license may commence from October 1 2021 onwards.

So far, 28 license applications have been received by the KSA, expecting circa 35 licenses to be issued by the starting date. The practice remains illegal if no license is held.

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