The Netherlands Gaming Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has reprimanded two illegal providers of online games of chance – for allowing Dutch players on its platform without a Dutch licence.
Due to the way the providers handled the situation, only Winning Poker Network has been issued with a penalty, after the other company, Goldwin, ceased violations – relieving it of the penalty issued. Winning Poker Network continued to allow Dutch bettors and therefore must pay the penalty imposed.
Offering online games of chance to players in the Netherlands is only allowed with a licence from the KSA. This is to assure players of a fair game and to protect them against problem gambling.
Once ordered a penalty in the Netherlands, providers of illegal online games of chance are ordered to stop all activities for which they do not have a licence for. If they do not comply, they must pay a penalty.
Winning Poker Network previously received a warning from the KSA that enforcement action would be taken if it didn’t cease operations in the Netherlands, so it agreed to stop operations. However, the company made a new website that made it possible for players from the Netherlands to gamble again with Winning Poker Network.
As a result of this violation, KSA has imposed an order of periodic penalty payments of €25,000 ($26,790) per week, with a maximum of €75,000. Winning Poker Network still hasn't ceased its operations in the Netherlands, so the KSA aims to continue its investigation until the illegal company stops.
GoldWin also offered players in the Netherlands opportunities to gamble on its website without having the correct licence. It initially received a penalty of €239,000, with a maximum of €717,000.
A further investigation proved that the company has now stopped its operations in the Netherlands, meaning it does have to pay the penalty – although it will be sanctioned if it resumes once again.
