Dutch hits unlicensed operator with 100k fine
Dutch Gambling Authority issues first fine to online gaming operator to send out clear message
The Dutch Gambling Authority (DGA) has issued a fine of 100,000 to Curaçao-based gaming company Global Stars in a move which should send out a “clear signal” to other unlicensed operators.
The operator becomes the first to be fined for offering online bingo and roulette to consumers based in the Netherlands without a valid licence.
According to the DGA, Global Stars targeted Dutch punters through its myglobalgames.com, boekjesbingo.nl and myglobalgames.nl domains.
Under the existing Dutch Betting and Gaming Act, online gambling is illegal in the Netherlands and the DGA issued around 40 warnings to companies about their illegal practices a year ago.
“Companies that offer online gambling now know that they can actually get a fine, because currently no licenses are granted for online gambling,” said chairman of the board of directors of the DGA, Jan Suyver.
The government is currently preparing a new framework which would legalise the activity with regulation scheduled for late 2014.
The news comes as the Spanish gambling regulator, Dirección General de Ordenación del Juegoalso (DGOJ), also prepares to hand out its first fines to unlicensed operators.
According to the DGOJ, fines for such illegal activities could range from anywhere between 1m and 50m.
One Spain-based gaming lawyer told eGaming Review: “As far I know there are more than 15 procedures against unlicensed operators. So in the next few months we will see the first fines, which will be huge ones, against such companies.”
Regulated online gambling in the country came into effect in June 2012 when the regulator handed out 53 licenses, however, some unlicensed companies have continued to operate illegally.