The Netherlands Introduces New Online Gambling Fines
Online gambling companies accepting wagers from Dutch players without a license from the Dutch government will have to pay expensive fines. The gambling regulators imposed the new online gambling fines in preparation for the country’s liberalized online gaming market.
The Kansspelautoriteit or KSA announced it will increase the minimum fine for illegal online gambling from €150,000 to €200,000. The new online gambling fines will take effect on March 1.
The KSA said told gambling news outlets that the minimum fine of €200,000 will adjust downward or upward depending on how operators continue to violate the rules. In addition, some of the factors affecting the amount of the fines will be the number of operators breaking the law, types of promos used to attract Dutch players, and several unauthorized online games.
New Online Gambling Fines
The KSA will increase the fine by €75,000 if the operator is claiming to be running a legal website, imposing fees on inactive player accounts, and offering live betting. In fact, the regulator said these common infractions made by illegal pay per head operators.
The fine can also in terms of a percentage of the base amount. For instance, the KSA can increase the fine by 25 percent for ignoring a warning. Also, they can increase the fine by 50 percent for targeting problem gamblers or minors. The regulator can increase by 100 percent for repeat offenders.
On the other hand, KSA can reduce the fines by 25 percent for cooperating with its investigations. The regulator will take into account the operator’s actions. Lying to the investigators will lead to higher fines.
KSA chairman Rene Jansen said the new online gambling fines will instill fear among illegal operators. Also, he warned that it is only the first step in changing the agency’s penalties policy. It is in preparation for the time when the government will issue licenses to offshore gambling operators after the approval of the Remote Gambling Bill. As a result, the best sportsbook pay per head can legally operate in the country.
