Key points:
- The KSA issued penalty payment orders to Techno Offshore and Novatech Solutions for illegal gambling targeting Dutch players
- Fines of €280,000 per week, up to €840,000, to be imposed if activities are not stopped
- The KSA emphasised its hardline stance to protect players and uphold regulated gambling practices
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has issued penalty payment orders to Techno Offshore and Novatech Solutions for offering illegal gambling services to Dutch players.
The companies – which operate websites such as simplecasino.com, nolimitbet.com, qbet.com and 55bet.com – are accused of violating Dutch gambling laws by targeting players without holding the required KSA licence.
Under the penalty orders, the companies must immediately cease their activities in the Dutch market and ensure continued compliance. Failure to do so will result in fines of €280,000 ($295,000) per week, up to a maximum of €840,000.
KSA inspectors found that both Techno Offshore and Novatech Solutions allowed Dutch players to access their platforms despite regulations.
During an investigation into Techno Offshore, KSA inspectors successfully registered and gambled on its platform.
Although the company later blocked accounts associated with the KSA, other Dutch accounts remained active, signalling an attempt to circumvent enforcement measures.
Similarly, Novatech Solutions operated illegal gambling services via multiple websites. While qbet.com was eventually blocked for Dutch users, inspectors could still access 55bet.com – another site under Novatech’s control – demonstrating an ongoing violation.
Good to know: Licensed operators must adhere to stringent rules that aim to ensure safety and fairness, whereas illegal operators often disregard these safeguards, putting players at risk
KSA chairman Michel Groothuizen criticised these tactics, stating: “Illegal providers operate in a sophisticated manner. We see providers without a KSA licence who really do their best to keep Dutch players out, but also many parties who don't seem to care.
“For example, we see that an offer is often stopped after inspection by the KSA, but is continued just as vigorously on another website of the same provider. We therefore take a hard line with these types of parties that deliberately violate the rule.
“With an order subject to penalty payments, we put a stop to the offer as soon as possible, but afterwards we can just as easily impose a hefty fine for the same violation.”
