The Dutch Gambling Authority, known as Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has announced stricter policies regarding fines for illegal gambling terminals. The previous regulations, introduced in 2014, have become outdated, leading the KSA to implement these changes.
Under the new rules, fines have significantly increased. Previously, penalties for the illegal provision of gambling terminals ranged from EUR 7,500 to 20,000 (approximately $8,000 to $21,400) per device. Now, violators will face fines between EUR 25,000 and 100,000 (about $27,000 to $107,000) per device. The amount of the fine will vary depending on several factors, including repeated offenses, prior warnings, or allowing minors to gamble.
The KSA explained that these devices, sometimes called internet terminals or football terminals, are used by players to gamble. However, they emphasized that such devices are “almost always illegal” in the Netherlands. It’s important to note that the KSA’s fines do not consider whether these machines were used wholly or partly for gambling purposes.
In the Netherlands, licensed operators are permitted to offer slot machines to their customers, but gambling terminals are classified as a different type of machine. The KSA has expressed concerns about the rising number of these devices, especially as portable devices like laptops and mobile phones are increasingly being used as gambling terminals.
The Kansspelautoriteit continues to work diligently to curb unlicensed gambling due to the high rates of gambling-related harm in the Netherlands. The authority aims to direct consumers towards the regulated market and ensure it remains fair and balanced.
To support this goal, the KSA frequently issues fines to those who break the country’s strict gambling laws, targeting both licensed operators that commit infractions and unlicensed companies. Recently, the KSA recovered penalty payments from two unlicensed operators, L.C.S. Limited and Blue High House S.A., who had faced financial sanctions for offering unauthorized games of chance to Dutch players.
Moreover, there has been a surge in lawsuits from Dutch players demanding refunds of their lost bets. The plaintiffs claim that the operators lacked licenses at the time of the bets, thus invalidating the wagers. As these cases multiplied, Dutch courts sought clarification from the Supreme Court.
These updates by the KSA reflect an ongoing effort to adapt to the changing landscape of the gambling market and ensure that regulations are in line with the current economic and social environment.
Gambling Laws in the Netherlands and Europe
The Netherlands has a strict regulatory framework governing both online and offline gambling activities. Offline gambling, which includes activities such as lotteries, casinos, and betting shops, is tightly regulated by the Dutch Gambling Authority. The KSA oversees all gambling operations, ensuring that they operate within the legal framework established by the Dutch government. Licenses are required for any entity wishing to offer gambling services, and the KSA strictly monitors compliance with these regulations to protect consumers and prevent gambling addiction.
Online gambling in the Netherlands has undergone significant changes recently, particularly with the introduction of the Remote Gambling Act (Wet Kansspelen op afstand) in April 2021. This new law allows for the regulation and licensing of online gambling operators, opening up the market to international companies while still maintaining a high level of oversight. Online gambling operators must obtain a license from the KSA and adhere to strict regulations designed to ensure player protection, fair play, and the prevention of gambling-related harm. This move aims to channel Dutch players towards regulated platforms, thereby reducing the prevalence of unlicensed and potentially unsafe gambling sites.
In contrast, other European countries have varying approaches to gambling regulation. For instance, the United Kingdom has a more liberal approach, with the UK Gambling Commission providing licenses to a wide range of online and offline gambling operators. The UK focuses heavily on responsible gambling measures and player protection but has a more open market compared to the Netherlands. Meanwhile, countries like Germany have recently reformed their gambling laws, with the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag) coming into effect in July 2021. This treaty introduces stricter regulations and a licensing regime similar to that of the Netherlands but is known for its complex rules and high taxation rates on operators. These differences highlight the diverse regulatory landscapes across Europe, with each country balancing consumer protection and market liberalization in its unique way.
