Key points:
- FBC BV has been fined for offering illegal games of chance on freebitco.in without a Dutch permit
- The KSA has imposed a penalty payment of €280,000 per week, up to a maximum of €840,000, to enforce compliance
- The Dutch regulated gambling market aims to prioritise player protection and takes punitive action against unauthorised operators – evidenced by a number of similar fines being dealt out by KSA in recent months
The Netherlands Gaming Authority (KSA) has imposed a penalty on FBC BV for operating unauthorised games of chance on its website, freebitco.in.
The website was found to be offering games of chance without the legally required permit in the Netherlands. The KSA’s investigation revealed that the site allowed users to create player accounts, make deposits and participate in gambling activities, with no technical measures implemented to prevent Dutch residents from accessing the platform.
Off the back of this discovery, the KSA has ordered FBC BV to immediately cease its illegal operations. A penalty payment of €280,000 ($294,000) per week will be imposed for any continued violations, with a maximum cumulative fine of €840,000.
The KSA has dished out many similar punishments in recent months, with penalty orders being issued to Techno Offshore and Novatech Solutions, Alimaniere, NetX and BlockDance – to name just a few.
Earlier this week, the KSA also launched a new campaign promoting gambling breaks.
The “Pick up your life again, take a gambling stop” campaign promotes the Cruks self-exclusion register and aims to highlight the potential risks associated with uncontrolled gambling – providing support for those struggling with gambling-related challenges.
