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The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has targeted illegal poker operations in six cities around the country and imposed heavy fines on tournament organizers.
The KSA appears to be following through on its commitment to tackle unregulated gambling operations this year. In late 2024, enforcement actions were conducted, featuring raids in Amsterdam, Asten, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Tilburg, in collaboration with local municipalities and police forces.
In one establishment, the authorities discovered €40,000 in cash, highlighting the significant amount of money involved in unregulated platforms.
The KSA has connected illegal poker tournaments to organized crime, noting that these events can facilitate money laundering. Additionally, the lack of regulations raises concerns about gambling addiction, particularly in high-stakes games that put players at greater risk.
The country’s land-based poker market operates as a state-run monopoly, with Holland Casino as the sole entity permitted to host money-winning poker tournaments. Outside of this, poker can only be played in “closed circles,” such as among family, friends, colleagues, or association members.
Following the raids, the KSA has imposed a €110,000 fine on an organizer of the unlicensed poker tournament, a decision it hopes would deter others from starting their own operations.
KSA Continues to Target Unlicensed Poker Operations
This is the first action the KSA has taken this year. In January, the regulator fined Winning Poker Network €1.3 million for operating unlicensed online poker in the country.
The KSA found that Dutch players could access the AmericasCardroom.eu site, which offered various poker games without the necessary license. Despite previous warnings, the operator continued its activities, leading to the significant fine.
“A penalty payment order is an effective way to quickly remove illegal offers,” KSA chairman Michel Groothuizen said. “However, these types of parties should not think that they will get off easy with this, so we are also imposing fines for the violation committed.
“With this we hit them where it really hurts, namely in their wallets.”
Prioritizing Safe Gambling in 2025
For 2025, the KSA has outlined key priorities in its supervision agenda, focusing on protecting minors, enforcing operators’ duty of care, combating illegal gambling, and ensuring compliance with advertising rules.
To achieve these goals, the KSA adopts a proactive approach, collaborating with police and municipalities to dismantle illegal operations and enhance player protection. Also, the regulator introduced a new policy this year, allowing fines up to €2 million and penalties based on 3% for serious violations. This stricter framework aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the gambling industry.
Chairman Michel Groothuizen emphasized the importance of professionalization, stating, “We have learned a lot since the opening of the online gambling market in 2021. We now have enough experience to implement a strong and well-considered fine policy.”
Source: GamblingInsider
