The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Ksa) has fined Optdeck Service Limited, operator of the Unibet brand, €4 million for breaching its statutory duty of care between 14 July 2022 and 1 July 2024.
Under Dutch law, gambling providers must protect players against excessive participation and gambling addiction. The Ksa determined that Optdeck failed to meet these obligations, exposing customers to significant risks.
Findings from the Investigation
- Player files reviewed by the Ksa revealed consistent breaches of duty of care.
- Customers depositing thousands of euros per day were not subject to timely intervention, with income checks requested only after weeks of losses.
- Interventions applied were inadequate, such as easily dismissible pop‑up warnings.
- Financial checks improperly included income sources not permitted under Ksa rules, such as company accounts.
Statement from the Ksa
Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the Ksa Board, emphasized:
“When there are signs of excessive gambling behavior and someone wagers a large amount of money in a short period of time, a provider must promptly investigate the source of the money. This analysis must be conducted properly, as not all financial resources can be included. The Ksa takes violations of its duty of care very seriously and will continue to take strong action against them.”
