(PRESS RELEASE) -- The Kansspelautoriteit is taking decisive action against illegal gambling activities, focusing on removing harmful apps and ensuring licensed operators adhere to strict regulations while addressing customer service issues and combating misleading promotions.
The Dutch Gaming Authority focuses on tackling illegal gambling apps. The Dutch Gaming Authority has intensified its approach to illegal gambling apps in app stores and has had 20 apps removed since the beginning of 2025. These apps often redirect users to illegal gambling websites, sometimes even with misleading logos of legal providers. They are also often aimed at minors. The Ksa calls on consumers to report suspicious apps, for example, via the industry platform Meld Vals Spel (Report Foul Play). Thanks to collaboration with app stores and reports from both the public and the industry, the Ksa continues to actively act against these illegal practices.
Dutch Gaming Authority addresses Lucky 7 Casino regarding inaccessible customer service. The Dutch Gaming Authority (Ksa) has addressed gambling provider Noord Zuid Alliantie B.V., operator of Lucky 7 Casino, regarding the inaccessibility of customer service and the provision of information in English. According to the Ksa, licensed providers must always have Dutch-language customer service and a website to adequately support players, especially in the context of addiction prevention. After discussions with the Ksa, the provider has resolved the issues. In addition, reports were made about playing after self-exclusion and pop-ups encouraging additional deposits. These concerns have also been addressed, but the Ksa continues to monitor the situation and will take action in case of new violations.
Dutch Gaming Authority puts player at the center in annual report, plans for 2025 and beyond. The Ksa's 2024 annual report provides a detailed overview of the state of the Dutch gambling market and the developments of the supervisor. With a focus on player protection, addiction prevention, and combating illegal gambling, the report provides insight into important policy changes and the challenges of the coming year. From new measures for responsible gaming to the fight against illegal gambling websites, the annual report offers valuable insight into the course the Ksa is taking to ensure a safe and fair gambling market. Read the full annual report via the link below.
2024 Annual Report The Dutch Gaming Authority enforces the promotion of illegal offerings via news publications. Over the past six months, the Ksa has investigated the promotion of illegal gambling offerings through magazines and online news publications. Consumers were often enticed to play at illegal casinos without CRUKS registration through these channels. The investigation focused on news articles that promoted such providers, which is harmful to vulnerable players who are at risk of gambling addiction. The Ksa contacted 42 editorial offices. During these discussions, the harmful nature of such news articles was emphasized. The immediate removal of links to advertisers and providers of illegal gambling offerings was also requested, successfully. All organizations received an information letter with advice to prevent future violations after the personal contact. In addition, the Ksa calls on players to consult the Kansspelwijzer (Gambling Guide) to play safely with licensed providers and reduce the risk of problematic gambling.
Research Analysis Master: no violations by licensees, but concerns about the platform. The Ksa has completed its investigation into the sports betting tips platform Analysis Master and concluded that no violations were committed by licensees. However, the platform, which promotes sports betting, does raise concerns with the Ksa because it targets young adults who may be vulnerable to gambling addiction. Although Analysis Master itself is not a gambling provider, the platform was associated with promotion by role models, which is prohibited for gambling providers. The Ksa emphasizes that licensees are responsible for their advertising expressions, even if they are conducted through external parties. The Ksa expects stricter regulation of such platforms in the future.
Tens of thousands of euros found at illegal poker tournaments. In the fall of 2024, the Ksa cracked down on several illegal poker tournaments in the Netherlands, where significant amounts of cash were found. These tournaments, often linked to subversive crime, can endanger both businesses and citizens. The Ksa continues to combat illegal gambling and works intensively with the police and municipalities for this purpose. In the last quarter of 2024, 6 actions were carried out, resulting in, among other things, the closure of a catering establishment. The Ksa also imposed a penalty payment on an organizer of illegal poker to prevent recurrence. Organizing poker tournaments in the Netherlands is only allowed for Holland Casino. Outside of that, tournaments for prizes or premiums are prohibited, unless they are played in private circles (an existing group of people who know each other, such as a family, nursing home, company, or members of an association).
The Dutch Gaming Authority investigates compliance with training requirements: positive results with areas for improvement. Between November 2024 and January 2025, the Ksa conducted a market-wide investigation into compliance with the training requirements from Article 6 of the Bwrvk. All KOA licensees cooperated and have now been informed of the results. At this time, the Ksa sees no reason for further investigation or enforcement.
More than 99% of employees with mandatory training have completed the required addiction prevention courses. However, it was noted that the timeliness of completing the courses can be improved. About 70% completed the basic course on time, but for the additional course, this was only 50%. The Ksa has requested providers to ensure that employees complete the additional course no later than four weeks after employment.
Additionally, it is positive that many licensees broadly interpret the training requirements by also offering the basic course to employees from other departments. The Dutch Gaming Authority investigates compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act among online providers. The Ksa will start an investigation this month among licensed online gambling providers to check whether they comply with the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act (Wwft) correctly. In addition to checking and taking firm action if necessary, the Ksa provides clarification of legislation and regulations to combat crime.
The Ksa will visit a selection of licensed online providers in the coming period and request specific information. The Ksa focuses on parties that have a potentially higher risk of money laundering. For this purpose, information such as market share and the number of young adults playing at a particular site is used from, among other sources, the Control Database. The Ksa's goal is to determine how the provider complies with the Wwft. The provider always receives individual feedback after the investigation. If a provider does not comply with the Wwft, the Ksa may impose a formal measure, such as a directive or a fine.