The Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, KSA) has issued enforcement action against prediction‑market operator Polymarket, finding that the platform illegally offered games of chance to players in the Netherlands.
KSA: Polymarket Ignored Warnings to Exit the Market
According to the regulator, Polymarket—operated by Adventure One—continued to make its platform accessible to Dutch users despite earlier directives to withdraw its offerings and stop accepting deposits from players in the Netherlands. The KSA said “no visible change has occurred”, prompting formal penalties.
While Polymarket maintains that its event‑based contracts do not constitute gambling, the KSA reiterated that prediction markets are considered illegal games of chance under Dutch law, and no operator—licensed or otherwise—is permitted to offer them.
Political Contracts Drove Local Popularity
The authority noted Polymarket’s rising profile, particularly its political markets. Contracts tied to the Dutch elections attracted significant attention from local users, further elevating regulatory concerns.
Penalty Structure
For failing to comply, the KSA imposed:
- €420,000 per week in penalty payments,
- Up to a maximum of €840,000,
with the regulator adding that a turnover‑based fine may follow.
KSA: Prediction Markets Not Allowed in the Netherlands
Ella Seijsener, the KSA’s director of permits and supervision, emphasized that prediction markets—despite their rapid growth internationally—are prohibited in the Netherlands.
“In addition to the social dangers of this type of prediction, such as potential influence on elections, we find that this is illegal gambling. Those who do not have a license from the KSA have nothing to do with our market. The same goes for these novel gambling platforms.”
Leadership Update
Separately, the KSA announced the appointment of Carol Verheij as vice chair of its board of directors.
