Dutch regulator fires new warning to unlicensed operators
Gaming Authority says letters sent to stop marketing to Dutch customers during World Cup were effective but infringers are still at risk
The Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) has warned sports betting firms that will continue to monitor what it considers to be illegal marketing activity in the country after a successful crackdown during the World Cup.
Following a spike in marketing activity ahead of the tournament, eight online sportsbooks received a letter in June warning them that advertising to Dutch residents is illegal under the Gaming Act.
Today the regulator reinforced this message, explaining that it “continues to monitor everything, including the Tour de France” and that any firm breaking the law could face implications when they seek a licence in the country at a later date.
Under current law, only the Dutch Lotto is permitted to offer online sports betting, however a new liberal licensing regime is due to come into force next year, opening up the market to foreign and local operators.
As well as criticising operators for targeting Dutch players, the regulator also pinpointed affiliate marketers as entities it will continue to monitor.
“The Gaming Authority expects that all providers own promotional websites – sites of companies in which they provide information about matches and players which can be clicked through to the betting site – be stopped,” it said in a statement.
Last week the Dutch Council of Ministers confirmed operators wishing to enter a regulated online market will have to pay a 20% tax on profits after its members finally settled a disagreement which was threatening to delay regulatory progress.
In a meeting held on Friday, the final day before parliamentary summer recess, the country’s ruling coalition settled a dispute which saw the Social Democratic party pushing for a tax rate of 29%, comparative to the rate paid by the land-based industry.