KSA chief: No "overnight" solution to Dutch black market
René Jansen reaffirms the regulator's commitment to shutting down illegal operators but concedes process is time-consuming
Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) chief René Jansen has reiterated the regulator is hot on the heels of illegal operators as it looks to clamp down on the black market in the country.
In a blog post on the KSA’s website, Jansen stated that he is targeting unlicensed operators in the Dutch market to try and restore balance to the market’s poor perceived public image.
Jansen revealed that since October 2021, 200 websites had been investigated by the regulator under the threat of a cease and desist order, with many pulling services at this threat.
However, he reiterated that there was no silver bullet for the black market issue but the KSA was working to eradicate the issue.
He said: “Has the illegal online offer completely disappeared? Unfortunately, no. We continuously monitor web traffic and social media for illegal online providers and track signals.
“We [can’t] shoot persistent illegal providers out of the sky overnight. I realise that this has been a less visible activity of the KSA lately. However, our inspectors have certainly not sat on their hands,” he added.
Jansen went on to say that the KSA is doing its best to track down affiliates and payment providers that are working with unlicensed firms.
Jansen’s comments following the a potential €4.5m fine handed down to Gammix for operating illegally in the market.
He concluded: “I hope to have somewhat restored the balance in the image of the legalisation of the online gambling market.
“Two things are of the utmost importance for a safe environment for people who want to gamble online: legal providers treat players responsibly and a strict approach to illegal providers. The KSA stands up for both.”
The Dutch online market went live on 1 October 2021 and is welcoming back previously barred heavyweights such as Kindred and Entain.