Illegal Online Gambling Sites in Netherlands to Face Six-Figure Fines

Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelaanbieders, announced that they will take a more aggressive approach towards illegal online gambling sites in Netherlands.

From January 2017, unlicensed, illegally operating online gambling sites in Netherlands will be facing much heavier fines. In previous years, the Dutch gambling regulatory body, Kansspelaanbieders, followed a mild approach towards illegal iGaming sites: they were sending out letters to warn operators before imposing a fine. According to Dutch gambling news, the regulatory body decided that this approach is not effective enough, therefore it’s time to introduce stricter provisions and fines.

New Dutch Gambling Laws on the Way

Operators willing neglecting Dutch gambling laws could face fines as high as €820,000. Currently, the maximum fine is €150,000, so the increase is rather dramatic. However, the Kansspelaanbieders will have to improve its cooperation with foreign bodies in order to successfully collect the fines. Meanwhile, lawmakers are getting closer and closer to pass new and improved Dutch gambling laws that would create a healthy framework for online gambling site in Netherlands. The new bill was approved by the Lower House of the parliament in July and is now awaiting the decision of the Senate.

€820,000 Fine for Illegal Gambling Sites in Netherlands

Gambling software developer Playtech has already ceased accepting Dutch players in 2013. Online Casinos running on the Playtech software are no longer accepting players from the territory of Netherlands. In 2015, two operators were fined €240,000 for neglecting the laws in force .