Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherland’s gambling regulator, announced that it has slammed an unlicensed operator with a huge fine. The authority’s chairman emphasized that the provision of unregulated gaming services in the country is strictly prohibited.
KSA Says Techno Offshore Limited Offered Unlicensed Gaming
In its official announcement, the KSA announced that it has imposed a fine of EUR 1.2 million ($1.31 million) on Techno Offshore Limited. According to the Dutch regulator, the company in question offered unlicensed gambling via its nolimitbet.com and simplecasino.com websites.
The KSA added that Techno Offshore Limited did not take sufficient measures to prevent Dutch players from engaging with its product. The KSA also understood that Techno Offshore Limited’s gaming brands incorporated engagement mechanics, such as autoplay and turboplay. For reference, both of these features are prohibited in the Netherlands since they can encourage vulnerable players to overspend.
To make matters worse, Techno Offshore Limited’s brands had no visible age check upon registration, according to the Dutch authority.
KSA’s Chair Says Offshore Companies Do Not Protect Players
Michel Groothuizen, chairman of the KSA, commented on the matter, emphasizing that the regulator remains committed to preventing online casinos from taking Dutch players’ money without a license.
Groothuizen emphasized that offshore operators are unfair competitors who, unlike legal operators, do not comply with the country’s strict rules to protect players from gambling addiction. In addition to that, they often lack age verification, allow crypto payments and/or lack gaming limits.
We take tough action against these types of parties because they attract players to illegal offerings and players are insufficiently protected there.
Michel Groothuizen, chair, KSA
KSA Continues to Protect the Market
In other news, the KSA recently doubled down on its regulatory efforts against the black market by targeting illegal betting apps appearing on the PlayStore and AppStore. Since the beginning of the year, the regulator has banned 20 such apps but new ones continue to pop up.
The authority explained that such apps often feature logos and imagery that are associated with legal providers, making them very misleading and dangerous. To make matters worse, many of them are being actively promoted across the internet.
Because of that, the KSA asked consumers to report such apps whenever they see them.
In the meantime, the KSA also warned Hotel Gaming Services BV, the license holder of the Circus Gran Casino gaming arcades, over a violation of the role model ban. The company in question featured a local ice hockey team in one of its ads, violating the local rules. For reference, Dutch operators are prohibited from featuring celebrities that might appeal to younger players in their marketing.
Previously, the KSA recently contacted Noord Zuid Alliantie, which operates the Lucky 7 Casino brand, and issued a warning over a customer service violation.