Dutch Regulator Penalizes FBC B.V. for Illegal Gambling Activities
The Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, KSA) has imposed a penalty of up to €840,000 on FBC B.V., the operator of Freebitco.in, for offering unlicensed games of chance to Dutch players.
Violation of Dutch Gambling Laws
Kansspelautoriteit’s investigation revealed that Freebitco.in allowed Dutch players to create accounts, deposit funds, and participate in games such as hi-lo jackpots and Bitcoin lotteries. These activities, conducted without a local license, contravened Dutch gambling regulations designed to safeguard players from unregulated operators.
“The Netherlands has a regulated gambling market to better protect players. KSA therefore takes tough action against illegal offers. With a penalty payment order, illegal offers are often quickly stopped”, Kansspelautoriteit stated.
Compliance Deadlines and Penalties
FBC was given until December 13 to cease operations in the Netherlands. Failure to comply will result in a penalty of €280,000 per week, up to the maximum €840,000 fine. Despite warnings and repeated promises from FBC to block Dutch users, the company failed to take effective corrective measures.
Investigations throughout 2024 revealed ongoing accessibility of Freebitco.in in the Netherlands. FBC attributed its noncompliance to technical difficulties and internal disagreements. Although the operator claimed to have blocked Dutch users in August, technical issues were later cited as a reason for the site’s availability.
In September, the company requested an extension to implement compliance measures, but a final review in November confirmed the site’s continued accessibility.
The KSA described FBC’s actions as a “very serious” breach of Dutch gambling laws. The regulator highlighted the importance of maintaining a controlled gambling market to protect consumers and warned of additional financial penalties if the site remains operational in the Netherlands.
