Dutch gaming regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has imposed a fine of €400,000 ($454,000) on 1XBet for operating in the Netherlands without a license.
More specifically, the KSA’s fine has been addressed to Cyprus-based Exinvest Limited and Curaçao-based 1X Corp. NV, who are also alleged to be behind another 83 illegal Dutch gambling websites.
Last week, the Dutch Senate voted to approve the Remote Gaming Bill. This will only enable operators to receive licenses by 2021, however, meaning any online activity until then is strictly prohibited.
René Jansen, KSA Chairman, commented: "Online gambling in the Netherlands is illegal.
"Under the current legal regime for companies, it is not possible to get a license for offering online games of chance. Consumers are not assured of a safe game on an honest market with illegal providers."
Following the Remote Gaming Bill’s adoption, gaming analyst Willem van Oort told Gambling Insider: "All eyes are now on the KSA, how it implements the two motions: advertising restrictions and the cooling off period. Because, if people aren’t happy with that, they might start protesting i.e. lobbying or lawsuits."
The website is now no longer accessible from a Dutch IP address. Gambling Insider has contacted 1XBet for comment.
