Two Operators Face Severe Penalties from KSA for Lacking Age Verification and License
The Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, KSA for short) has once again lived up to its strict reputation.
This independent regulatory authority and government agency has fined Equinox Dynamic NV from Curaçao and Domiseda and Partners sro from Slovakia with €1.8 million or €900,000 each.
These affiliates have been accused of giving players in the Netherlands an opportunity to play games of chance without a legal license.
Fines Increased Due to Verification Lapse
According to the latest inquiry by Kansspelautoriteit, Equinox Dynamic and Domiseda allowed players in the Netherlands to join their sites and participate in games of chance.
This would not have been an issue, had both of these affiliates obtained the required license for iGaming services in the country. Under the Betting and Gaming Act of the Netherlands, such act is prohibited, and the KSA will enforce a ban until further notice.
On top of the aggravating circumstance, is has also been confirmed that both operators lacked age verification, which only increased the penalty up to €900,000 per company.
In the official news article on KSA’s web presentation, it has been revealed that the affected brand is OrientXpress Casino. Further investigation has showed a high risk for safe play.
As explained by the regulator, offering online games of chance in the country is only allowed with a license from the KSA. This violation is subject to strict rules and regulations aimed at safeguarding players and assuring fair play.
Also, to avoid any future penalties, a licensed provider of online casino games must apply for and maintain a valid legal license. On that note, illegal providers do not pay any tax in the Netherlands and are not restricted in the conduct of their business by the strict rules of the Betting and Gaming Act and the associated licensing regulations.
This allows illegal providers to offer games of chance that are prohibited for licensees or offer higher prices and bonuses.
“The objective is to create a safe environment for people who want to gamble online. This includes taking strict action against illegal providers,” commented René Jansen, chairman.
Recent Licensees
Back in November 2022, one of the leading casino brands to enter the Dutch market was also TonyBet.
The international sportsbook was founded in 2011 by a Lithuanian poker pro Antanas Guoga. It soon earned a top-ranking status for sports betting, live betting, and live gaming services.
The company is now enjoying popularity in the Netherlands, eleven years since its founding. TonyBet is a respected, fast-growing, and ambitious gaming house with more than 4,600 slots, including a new line-up of competitive products being rolled out each week.
Source:
“Ksa fines two providers for 1.8 million for illegally offering online games of chance”, kansspelautoriteit.nl, February 9th, 2023.
Rjs85bets
1 year ago
It's so important for online gambling operators to have the proper licenses and age verification systems in place. The KSA is doing the right thing by enforcing these rules and punishing those who break them. It's crazy to think that these companies were operating without the required license and age verification. I'm glad...
It's so important for online gambling operators to have the proper licenses and age verification systems in place. The KSA is doing the right thing by enforcing these rules and punishing those who break them. It's crazy to think that these companies were operating without the required license and age verification. I'm glad that the KSA is working hard to protect players and create a safe environment for online gambling. It's also great to hear about licensed providers like TonyBet entering the Dutch market and offering legal and safe options for players
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Vanenhox
1 year ago
I know that casino regulators emphasize that casino licenses issued by governments are intended to insure safe play for players amongst other things. However, back when the Danish market was unregulated and casino's were unlicensed, that is prior to 2012, I could play at any online casino from anywhere in the world. There...
I know that casino regulators emphasize that casino licenses issued by governments are intended to insure safe play for players amongst other things. However, back when the Danish market was unregulated and casino's were unlicensed, that is prior to 2012, I could play at any online casino from anywhere in the world. There were no restrictions back then. I had a few bad experiences, but before the so called liberalization of the gambling market in 2012, when Denmark started requiring licenses, I had many positive experiences with excellent casino's that opted to never get a Danish license. Grand Hotel Casino, Ladbrokes and 32red to name a few were fine casino's, which were unlicensed as were all back at that time. What these government regulators will not emphasize is that licensing is a way for the state to gain revenue while curtailing market access for players. And I am not a conservative libertarian, free market type, but this has been my experience here in Denmark. I am happy with many things about the casino market in Denmark, do not get me wrong, but it is not all black and white.
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seanze65
1 year ago
Man the Dutch Kansspelautoriteit sound like they mean business which I am very glad to see. There needs to be more action by regulators against providers that don’t follow the rules like orientxpress casino. I feel like any respectable casino would have no problem obtaining the appropriate licenses to allow game of chance...
Man the Dutch Kansspelautoriteit sound like they mean business which I am very glad to see. There needs to be more action by regulators against providers that don’t follow the rules like orientxpress casino. I feel like any respectable casino would have no problem obtaining the appropriate licenses to allow game of chance playing in the area they are operating. And on top of that no age verification that’s just uncalled for im glad to see that they issued such a high fine as this kinda behavior is not needed in the igaming sector.
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Dzile
1 year ago
They were really very strict this time, the fine is very high. The safety of the players comes first and it is necessary to constantly check the casinoS so that this kind of thing does not happen.
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MarijaS
1 year ago
€1.8 million! Actions like these serve as a reminder to follow gaming regulations and ensure all activities are conducted legally.
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Cinderella
1 year ago
Wow, these guys are no joke. They literally penalize anyone even for the smallest of breaches, and the fines are astronomical, I mean, 1 million euros each, gulp, ouch!
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