The OPTA, the Netherlands-based communications watchdog, has over the last two weeks received an influx of casino spam-related complaints.
The e-mail spam contained sloppy, Dutch-language advertisements for Royal VIP casino, Vegas VIP casino and Royal Club casino, with links to sites where e-mail users could download I-gaming software.
The OPTA has launched an investigation and found that the spam derives from a "botnet," a collection of compromised computers--often termed "zombie computers"--running programs, usually referred to as worms, Trojan horses, or backdoors, under a common command and control infrastructure.
This particular botnet targeted users with dot-NL e-mail addresses, the OPTA said.
The OPTA said that the software is benign and can be removed easily, though advised Internet users against opening the e-mails and linking to the sites.
During the course of the investigation, the OPTA also discovered e-mails linking to the same casinos written in different European languages.
If the OPTA discovers the spammer is based outside of the Netherlands, then a dossier will be handed to the country where the spammer is active, as its authority does not extend extraterritorially.
OPTA's purpose is to ensure compliance with legislation and regulations governing post and electronic communications.
On February 2, 2007, the OPTA imposed a fine of 75,000 euros ($101,588) on a Dutch spammer. This private individual sent unsolicited electronic messages to consumers to promote pornographic, Web-based material. This is the largest fine to-date that the OPTA has imposed for contravening the spam prohibition.
Sending unsolicited e-mail (advertising or otherwise) to private individuals has been prohibited in the Netherlands since May 19, 2004.
Click here to view a copy of the OPTA press release from Feb. 2, 2007.