Unauthorised iGaming operators face heavy fines in the Netherlands in 2017

The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), gaming regulator in the Netherlands, is changing its way towards approaching unauthorised online gambling operators. The regulatory body announced that a new policy towards illegal online gambling operators is being adopted as of January 1, 2017.

The KSA states that any operators found to be doing business in breach of its regulations will be “directly eligible for enforcement action”. Depending on how serious the violations are, igaming operators may face fines as high as €820,000.

Currently KSA’s policy is to issue warning letters to gambling sites deemed to be in breach of gaming regulations. Such operators are offered a chance to avoid further actions by blocking access to consumers in the country and ceasing advertising in the Dutch media.

The KSA stated that its regulatory provisions are now evident to operators offering services to Dutch customers. Therefore, warning letters will no longer be a measure to enforce the provision. The regulator deems now is the right time to introduce new and stiffer penalties for those who neglect the law.

The Netherlands is believed to be in the final stages of approving its long awaited Remote Gaming Bill. It passed the government‘s lower house in July. The next step for it is to face a Senate vote before becoming a law.