29.02.2024

by Mateusz Mazur

Gammix Limited Faces Record €19.7 Million Fine from Dutch Gaming Authority

The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gaming authority, has imposed a record fine of nearly €19.7 million on Gammix Limited for operating online gambling services in the Netherlands without a license.

This historic penalty follows a previous enforcement action in July 2022, where Gammix was subjected to a €4.4 million coercive sum.

Unprecedented Sanctions for License Violations

The Ksa’s decision marks the culmination of stringent monitoring and regulatory enforcement aimed at safeguarding Dutch players from unauthorized online gambling services. Despite previous warnings and penalties, Gammix continued its operations, leading to the substantial fine announced on Thursday.

Gammix’s refusal to cease its illegal activities and challenge the fine’s imposition highlights the ongoing struggle between regulatory bodies and online gambling operators skirting national regulations. The scrutinized websites, including Nordslot, Rant Casino, and LocoWin, continued their operations, prompting the Ksa to take decisive action.

Ksa’s Commitment to Player Protection

René Jansen, chairman of the Kansspelautoriteit, emphasized the authority’s commitment to protecting Dutch players and maintaining the integrity of the gambling market. The lack of basic safeguards like age verification on Gammix’s platforms was a critical factor in the Ksa’s decision to impose such a significant penalty.

Gammix contests the Ksa’s assertion that it targeted the Dutch market, arguing against the investigation’s methodology and the fine’s basis. The company disputes the focus on gross gaming revenue rather than net income, challenging the Ksa’s estimated €302.7 million revenue derived from Dutch players in 2022.

In response to the mounting regulatory pressure, Gammix has transferred the operation of its online casinos to Stardust Global CCS, a Cyprus-based entity established in February 2023. This move indicates a strategic shift in Gammix’s operational framework amidst ongoing legal and regulatory challenges.

Our Comment on the Article

The Kansspelautoriteit’s record fine against Gammix Limited serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of compliance within the online gambling industry. The case underscores the Dutch regulator’s stringent stance on unlicensed operations and its dedication to player protection.

As the industry continues to evolve, this landmark penalty highlights the need for operators to adhere to local regulations and the potential consequences of non-compliance. The shifting operational strategies of companies like Gammix reflect the broader challenges facing the online gambling sector as it navigates complex regulatory landscapes.

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