Dutch Regulator Fines Sarah Eternal S.R.L. €900,000
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, Ksa) has imposed a €900,000 fine on Sarah Eternal S.R.L. for offering online gambling services to Dutch players without a license. The penalty, which exceeds the standard base fine of €600,000, follows previous enforcement actions against the company.
Violation of Dutch Gambling Regulations
Sarah Eternal S.R.L. operated the website Casinosky, which failed to implement measures preventing Dutch players from accessing its services. The Ksa’s investigation revealed multiple breaches, including the absence of age verification controls and the acceptance of cryptocurrency for gambling transactions.
The regulator justified the higher fine based on the severity of the violations. In March 2024, the company had already been subjected to a penalty order totaling €280,000. The Ksa emphasized that continued non-compliance led to the stricter financial sanction.
Ksa’s Stance on Illegal Operators
Michel Groothuizen, a representative of the Ksa, highlighted the risks posed by unlicensed gambling platforms.
“The Netherlands has a legal market to ensure that people who choose to gamble can do so safely. With illegal operators, we often see no measures to prevent risky gambling behavior. There was no age verification, allowing minors to gamble, and cryptocurrency transactions were permitted. We take strict action against such entities.”