Unibet Fined €400,000 for Breach of Dutch Self-Exclusion Rules
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands’ gambling authority, has fined Optdeck Service Ltd, trading as Unibet, €400,000 for permitting players on the national self-exclusion registry, CRUKS, to register and gamble.
Breach of CRUKS Regulations
The fine comes after KSA’s investigation revealed that Unibet had failed to comply with CRUKS regulations during the 2022 World Cup.
The system is designed to prevent individuals registered in the self-exclusion program from accessing gambling services, whether online or in physical venues.
This lapse in compliance was first flagged in mid-2023, prompting an official investigation.
According to KSA, licensed operators are required to ensure strict adherence to CRUKS, which serves as a critical safeguard for responsible gambling in the Dutch market.
Despite the serious breach, Optdeck Service Ltd has not appealed the penalty.
Importance of CRUKS in Dutch Gambling Regulation
CRUKS (Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen) is a cornerstone of the Netherlands’ gambling framework, providing players with a way to self-exclude from gambling activities.
Operators are mandated by law to verify all player registrations against the CRUKS database and deny access to those listed.
The effectiveness of CRUKS relies heavily on compliance by gambling operators and awareness among players.
To strengthen its role, the KSA has actively promoted the program, launching public awareness campaigns to highlight its availability and purpose.
Recent Awareness Campaigns by KSA
Earlier this month, the KSA introduced a new marketing initiative aimed at increasing awareness of CRUKS, particularly among younger demographics.
This campaign utilized social media platforms to ensure broad outreach, emphasizing the importance of self-exclusion options for at-risk players.
