Dutch Regulator Fines Licensed Operator €734,000
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, Ksa) has issued a €734,000 fine to a licensed gambling operator for failing to adequately protect young adults from excessive gambling and potential addiction. This is the first time such a financial penalty has been imposed in the country for violations specifically related to vulnerable youth.
Breach of Duty of Care Toward Young Players
According to the Ksa, the fined operator did not fulfill its legal duty of care, which requires licensees to monitor gambling behavior and intervene when players show signs of problematic play. The regulator launched an investigation after receiving reports of significant financial losses among young adult players, aged between 18 and 23.
The regulator examined ten player files with the highest reported losses. In all ten cases, it found clear violations of the rules. The players had lost tens of thousands of euros over relatively short periods of time, and the operator failed to intervene adequately. The Ksa emphasized that such losses should have triggered stronger protective measures from the company.
Regulator Intensifies Oversight of Online Operators
Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the Ksa, commented:
“We have a licensed gambling market based on the principle that those who want to gamble can do so safely. That’s why operators have a duty of care toward their players and must respond adequately to excessive gambling. Large losses are an important warning sign. We have intensified our supervision of the online duty of care, and violations like those identified here will be dealt with firmly. We do not want to see operators fail their responsibilities, especially when it comes to vulnerable young players.”
Operator Remains Unnamed Due to Legal Proceedings
Unlike in most cases, the Ksa has not disclosed the name of the penalized operator. The company has filed a legal request to prevent the disclosure of its identity while the case is under review. The court determined that the complexity of the matter warrants further examination, and until the regulator completes the objection procedure, the operator’s name must remain confidential. Should the legal process allow for disclosure at a later stage, the Ksa has committed to naming the company immediately.