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The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has imposed a €2.65 million fine on BetCity for failing to adequately protect young adults from problem gambling. The investigation focused on player losses between October 2021 and March 2023, prior to Entain’s acquisition of BetCity in January 2023.
The KSA concluded that the operator did not meet its legal duty of care, failing to monitor high-risk behavior and intervene when needed. BetCity’s appeal against the fine and required disclosures was rejected in August, with the regulator finding its objections unjustified.
Michel Groothuizen, KSA Chair, said:
“We have a licensed gambling market based on the principle that anyone who wants to gamble can do so safely. Therefore, providers have a duty of care to their players and must respond appropriately to excessive gambling. Large losses are an important signal of this. We have intensified our oversight of the online duty of care, and we are taking strong action against violations like those we observe here at BetCity. We truly do not want to see providers fail so badly in their duty of care, especially for vulnerable young players.”
The regulator’s probe examined the top 10 players with the largest losses, all aged between 18 and 23. Findings revealed instances of players losing tens of thousands of euros in short periods, including one individual with over €63,000 in losses during the year, €43,000 of which occurred in a single month, and another losing €80,000 without any adjusted limits. The KSA determined that BetCity either responded too late or failed entirely to act on clear warning signs.
A BetCity spokesperson commented:
“We acknowledge the KSA’s findings in this case. This legal action concerns the historical failures of BetCity’s previous owner and management, Sports Entertainment Media. Since acquiring BetCity in January 2023, Entain has thoroughly reviewed and significantly strengthened all operational processes to enhance player protection and maintain best practices in responsible gambling.”
This ruling really shows how serious the Dutch regulator is about protecting players—especially younger adults who are more at risk. It’s also a clear sign that they’re watching online gambling companies more closely and expect everyone to step up when it comes to looking after their customers.
Source: Next
