The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) issued a statement warning customers to avoid playing at unlicensed online gambling sites. The authorities reminded players to remove unused funds from their accounts at unlicensed sites as these might become inaccessible before long.
The KSA elaborated that unlicensed casino operators try to escape the long arm of the law and “black out” their sites as soon as the authorities start an investigation. Consequently, players who have unused balance lose their funds as operators block players from accessing the sites.
The Netherlands opened its gambling market in 2021 and since then, it has been closely monitoring its licensees and imposing hefty fines to violators. The crackdown on unlicensed operators is not only intended to protect players, but also to boost licensees' confidence in the KSA. As the authorities explained: “it must pay to have a licence.”
Back in 2021, the KSA announced that it was monitoring 25 sites suspected of serving Dutch players without having a legal permission to do so and if it finds out that they actually violate the laws, sanctions will follow.
Currently, the country allows only a dozen of operators to provide gambling services on its territory with the Belgium's Casino de Spa being the latest to secure a license.
In other news, the KSA also issued a warning to operators regarding their advertising content. Precisely, the regulator wants tough restrictions on advertisements that would encourage minors and young people to gamble.
Operators planning to advertise on platforms used mainly by youngsters were ordered to adjust their advertising policies unless they wanted to be sanctioned. “Even if advertising is outsourced, the licence-holder remains responsible. The agreements must be laid down in writing in advance.” the KSA clarified.
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