The Kansspelautoriteit has found that the Betchan site violated Dutch laws by being accessible from the Netherlands and not listing the country as one where online games of chance are illegal. The regulator also noted indications that the site targeted Dutch players, including the use of the word ‘Amsterdam’ as a bonus code. Due to these actions, the Betchan website is now inaccessible from the Netherlands. The regulator increased the fine imposed on N1 Interactive above the usual level due to the lack of visible age verification and the charging of inactivity fees to players.
In order to ensure a safe and legal online gambling offering, the Netherlands’ Remote Gambling Act came into effect in April. Licensed operators will be able to offer online gambling from October, and the Kansspelautoriteit expects to receive approximately 40 license applications during the process. The chairman of the Kansspelautoriteit, René Jansen, stated that the aim is to protect players from gambling addiction and provide a fair game, with a strict approach to illegal supply both now and after October 1.
Furthermore, the Kansspelautoriteit has taken action to close two illegal lotteries conducted through Instagram, with the assistance of Facebook, the owner of the social media channel. The illegal lotteries, VIP Lottery and Winnacttiee, were removed after the Kansspelautoriteit reported its concerns to Facebook’s Gambling Regulatory Channel. The regulator highlighted that organisers of illegal lotteries face the risk of a significant fine, as there is no supervision possible and the providers are not licensed. The Kansspelautoriteit’s objective is to ensure the safety of participants in games of chance.
