Dutch Regulator Fines Winning Poker Network €1.3 Million for Illegal Operations
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling regulator, has imposed a €1.3 million fine on Winning Poker Network (WPN) for offering illegal gambling services to Dutch players without the required license.
Illegal Gambling Access
Winning Poker Network operated the website AmericasCardroom.eu, allowing Dutch players to gamble without holding the necessary permit. Once alerted to the violation, the Ksa announced its intention to issue a cease-and-desist order. In response, WPN restricted access to the website for Dutch users. However, WPN’s other platforms, such as TruePoker.eu, remained accessible in the Netherlands, prompting the regulator to enforce the order across all its sites.
Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the Executive Board KSA, emphasized the importance of financial sanctions in curbing illegal gambling activities:
“An order under penalty is an effective way to get illegal offers out of the air often quickly. However, these parties should not think they can get off scot-free, so we also impose fines for the offence committed. In doing so, we hit them where it really hurts, namely in the wallet.”
Aggravating Circumstances Increase the Fine
The fine against WPN was raised due to aggravating circumstances. The company charged inactivity fees to players who did not log in for extended periods, exploiting customers for additional revenue. Furthermore, WPN misrepresented itself as a legitimate operator by citing a foreign license, misleading consumers into believing its operations were lawful. The Ksa considers such deceptive practices particularly severe and acted accordingly to protect Dutch players.
