KSA issues a cease-and-desist order to Gammix
Regulator rules fine of €1.47m for each week of non-compliance by operator
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has issued a cease and desist order to online operator Gammix as it was illegally operating in the region.
The Malta-based firm was offering games at two sites in the Netherlands, www.nordslot.com and www.rantcasino.com.
If Gammix fails to comply with this ruling, it will be fined €1.47m (£1.24m) per week, up to a maximum penalty of €4.5m.
Gammix were informed of the ruling by letter on 12 April 2022.
The operator can appeal this decision but has not done so at the time of writing.
The regulator took this kind of action due to the Dutch prioritisation criteria, under which the KSA can sanction online gambling sites targeting Dutch players.
The regulator’s criteria includes operating a site with a Dutch IP address, featuring Dutch-related symbols such as tulips and windmills and allowing players to access the site in Dutch.
A fourth criterion, the usage of the payment method iDEAL, was added to the list in 2019.
The major focus of the KSA at the moment is clamping down on how gambling is advertised in the region.
The regulator recently introduced new rules, which meant that role models such as sporting personalities and influencers could not be used in advertising.
The KSA has also launched an investigation into advertising that operators send to young people between 18-24, which is currently prohibited under KSA rules. The investigation will cover two parts, the first looking into emails, bonus offers, push messages and ‘other information’.
The second half of the investigation will look at how firms are advertising on social media. There is a form on the KSA website for people to report any advertising they will is inappropriate for young people.
In May, the regulator warned affiliates to comply with the law regarding advertising and not to promote unlicensed sites to the Dutch public.