Dutch Gambling Authority Gives Fines To Unlicensed Operators

Monday September 09,2013 : DUTCH GAMING AUTHORITY MEANS BUSINESS
 
Strong intent on keeping un-licenced operators out of the market
 
The Dutch Gaming Authority Kansspelautoriteit has imposed a Euro 100 000 fine on Curacao-licenced online gambling operator Global Stars for offering its services to Dutch residents, a violation of its law on gambling.
 
A Kansspelautoriteit statement said the imposition of the fine sends a clear signal to businesses and consumers that online gambling is prohibited in the Country until its law, currently being overhauled, allows the practice and then only by Dutch licenced operators.
 
GlobalStars domains named in the statement are myglobalgames.com, boekesbingo.nl and myglobalgames.nl which reroute to myglobalgames.com.
 
The fine was imposed following an investigation into the dot com website, its dot nl domains presented in the Dutch language and its iDeal payment system.
 
Following a request that operators withdraw their services from the Country in 2012, the Kansspelautoriteit said the fine imposed on the operator is in line with penalties for the violation of the Unfair Commercial Practices Act.
 
"It is of social importance that consumers are informed and warned that if they participate in online gambling there are risks.  I also expect that the disclosure of the penalty decision to other companies and individuals will have a preventive effect and make it clear that the provision of (online) gambling without a Dutch license is prohibited in the Netherlands," Jan Suyver, chairman of the board of directors of the Gaming Authority said.