The Dutch Gaming Authority, Kansspelautoriteit, has fined Malta-based N1 Interactive, after finding that the group has offered games of chance to Dutch players via the betchan.com website.
The regulator said that an investigation found that the N1 site was accessible from the Netherlands and that the region was not mentioned as a country in which online games of chance are illegal.
Furthermore, it was also said that there were various indications that the offer was aimed at the Dutch player, one such example of which was the usage of the word ‘Amsterdam’ as a bonus code.
Upon determining the size of the penalty charge, the Ksa says that “fine increasing circumstances,” such as no visible age verification taking place and inactivity fees being charged to players, applied.
At the moment it is not yet possible to legally offer games of chance via the internet in the Netherlands, however, that is to change after the Remote Gaming Act came into effect from April 1.
As a result, it is now possible to apply for a license to enter the country’s ecosystem, with companies that meet all strict conditions and receive certification permitted to offer games of chance via the internet from October 1, 2021.
All conditions are aimed at ensuring that there will be a safe legal offer, whereby players are assured of a fair game and are protected against gambling addiction.
“This includes a strict approach to illegal supply, now and after October 1,” said René Jansen, chairman of the board of directors of the Ksa.
The website betchan.com is no longer accessible from the Netherlands due to the actions of the Ksa.
