The KSA investigate licence and self-exclusion violations

The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) is investigating 4 websites for promoting unlicensed gambling and divulging vital information on how to bypass the national self-exclusion register (Cruks).

Using a new investigation method, the KSA has succeeded in identifying multiple violations, with many as of yet unspecified, over the last 6 months.

Initially instigating inventions into 8 affiliate websites targeting the Dutch market, the KSA eventually found 4 of these to be responsible for regulatory violations.

Regulatory action is yet to be taken, however, based on previous judgements by the KSA they look poised to continue its recent wave of enforcement, consequences could range from warning notices to fines and takedown orders.

Use of Cryptocurrencies

The use of Cryptocurrencies as a payment solution for these unlicensed websites has been on the rise according to the KSA’s enforcement update, which stated:

“We do see that more and more (unlicensed) providers have started to accept cryptocurrencies as a payment method (one of the reasons we have extended our own research with crypto) and that Dutch players have also adopted this payment method.”

It is likely that the decentralised nature of the Crypto infrastructure was the main factor in driving payment for illicit services towards the online method as a solution. This is yet another issue plaguing emerging technology as local and international entities attempt to curb its negative impact.

The role of social media

Unlicensed operators have also gravitated towards social media platforms, with KSA conducting 32 investigations into illicit offerings over some of the most prominent of services including industry leaders, Facebook and Instagram.

These social media outlet’s parent, Meta was informed by the KSA, who promptly comply and immediately closed the identified pages and accounts.

The KSA’s wave of enforcement

The KSA is continuing its ever more stringent crackdown on illicit activity in its sector, supporting police teams in up to 42 cases, during invasive actions such as police raids.

The KSA remains steadfast in their focus on preventing violations against both advertising violations and unlicenced gambling operations.

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