The Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, Ksa) has issued a formal warning to Legs Eleven Limited after determining the company organized unauthorized bingo events under the “Bingo Loco” brand at venues including Maassilo in Rotterdam and Complex in Maastricht.
According to the regulator, the events constituted games of chance that did not fall under the limited legal exemptions for bingo and therefore required a gambling license, which the organizer did not hold. The Ksa also issued a warning to Maassilo for hosting the events.
Events Adjusted Following Regulator Contact
The Ksa said it engaged with the organizer and the involved venues, resulting in changes to the events. The bingo components have been replaced with a music quiz format, removing them from the scope of gambling regulation.
Strict Requirements for Legal Bingo
Under Dutch law, bingo may only be offered without a license under narrow conditions:
- The organizer must be a Dutch association in existence for at least three years
- The association may not have been established to conduct games of chance
- Proceeds must benefit a pre‑announced charitable cause
- Maximum prize limits apply: €400 per prize and €1,550 per event
- The event must be reported to the municipality in advance
The Ksa said Bingo Loco’s events did not meet these criteria, noting they were large‑scale, commercial, public events offering prizes.
Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement
The Ksa is responsible for monitoring compliance with Dutch gambling laws and may take enforcement action when unlicensed gambling is offered. Potential measures include administrative fines, penalty payment orders, or the seizure of materials and prizes.
The regulator said it will continue to monitor similar events to ensure compliance with national gambling regulations.
