The Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit/KSA) has taken action against an operator that violated gambling regulations by offering bingo games without the necessary license.
KSA Highlights Rule Violations
In an official announcement, the KSA confirmed that the operator not only offered but also advertised bingo games without the required license. The KSA emphasized that only licensed entities or associations that have existed for at least three years and were not specifically created to run games of chance are permitted to organize small games like bingo. Additionally, the gambling laws in the Netherlands stipulate that bingo prizes must not exceed EUR 400 per game and EUR 1,550 in total. Companies lacking a license are strictly prohibited from advertising their gambling products.
Organizer Benefited from Illegal Games
The operator in question organized illegal bingo games and extensively promoted them online, particularly through Facebook. The unlicensed bingo company charged EUR 25 for tickets and sold bingo booklets for an average of EUR 62.50, with prizes exceeding the maximum allowed by the Dutch Gambling Authority.
The KSA noted that these bingo games were conducted for the benefit of the organizer, sometimes generating tens of thousands of euros from players. This necessitated regulatory intervention.
Consequences for the Bingo Organizer
The KSA announced that the operator faces a penalty order of EUR 13,125 per game, with a maximum of EUR 131,250. Additionally, the company faces a penalty order of EUR 6,562.50 per illegal advertisement, with a cap of EUR 65,625.
The KSA also mentioned that the bingo operator had previously been reprimanded for similar offenses. Despite a warning in 2022, the company continued its operations, leading to a high risk of repeated violations.
Recent Action Against Another Operator
This action follows a recent announcement by the KSA, which fined Alimaniere Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada, a Costa Rica-based gambling operator, EUR 1.05 million ($1.09 million) for offering unlicensed online casino gaming to Dutch players.
These actions reflect the KSA’s commitment to enforcing gambling regulations and sending a clear message that illegal gambling activities are not tolerated in the Netherlands.
