Netherlands Gambling Authority fines Panama-based operator €1,125,000
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has fined Panama-based operator Blue High House S.A. €1,125,000 for offering unlicensed online gambling to Dutch consumers.
Despite previously being issued a conditional penalty payment by the Dutch regulator, Blue High House continued to offer illegal games of chance in the Netherlands, the KSA said.
The regulator further remarked that there were aggravating circumstances, including the lack of age verification, autoplay, and illegal game types, that caused the fine to be increased from €600,000 to over €1m.
Although the financial penalty may have a deterring effect, it does not appear particularly likely that the regulator will ever be able to collect the fine.
KSA chair calls for standardized addiction prevention policies
Netherlands Gambling Authority Chair, Michel Groothuizen has called for the introduction of a “standardized and central addiction prevention policy” to address rising concerns regarding the Netherlands’ regulated online gambling market.
At present, licensed operators are still free to implement their own problem gambling prevention policies, some of which, however, have been found to fall short of the minimum legal requirements.
Groothuizen also expressed a desire for additional tools to combat illegal gambling, for instance the ability to block websites offering illegal gambling content.
The KSA, however, does not recommend a full ban on gambling advertising as this would only increase the relative visibility of illegal offers.
Lower House majority sponsors motion to provide player data to National Rapporteur for Addiction Care
Political groups representing a clear majority in the Dutch Lower House have submitted a motion calling on the government to introduce legislation that would provide the National Rapporteur for Addiction Care with the same access to online player data as the Netherlands Gambling Authority.
The measure is intended to facilitate research into gambling addiction and gambling-related behavior.
A similar measure is included in the CU-SP private members’ bill that was announced previously.
Jellinek releases anonymous self-help app
Dutch addiction care organization Jellinek has released an app that assists users in quitting or moderating harmful behavior, such as substance abuse or immoderate gambling.
The app is free to download (Android, iOS) and can be used anonymously, although the app also contains an optional feature to enable personal support from participating GPs.
Playtech reportedly exploring sale of Happybet
Playtech is reportedly exploring the sale of its German-facing sports betting operator, Happybet, NEXT.io reports.
Happybet currently operates over 100 betting shops across Germany and Austria, in addition to an online betting platform.
Despite efforts to grow its presence in the region, the business has faced persistent financial difficulties. In 2021, Playtech-owned Snaitech integrated Happybet into its operations, upgrading its technology infrastructure and enhancing its offerings.
Despite these initiatives, Happybet has so far not become profitable.
French senate approves tax hike on gambling
French Senators have voted in favor of the government’s “comportmental tax raises” targeting soft drinks, tobacco, and gambling.
Deputies of the Assemblée nationale previously rejected these tax hikes, but the country's Senate approved these additional levies on top of the existing gambling tax, keeping the proposals alive for now.
French casinos and online operators already pay GGR taxes of around 55% and the new measures would push the total tax burden to close to 60% of GGR.
Save the date: The Las Vegas Book launch party
Years in the making, The Las Vegas Book, a 450-page luxury coffee table book illustrating the fascinating history of Las Vegas with more than 300 impressive photographs, will soon start rolling off the press.
The book's author, Joris Dekkers cordially invites Gaming in Holland members to the Las Vegas Book launch party on Monday, December 9 at LeCarage in Amsterdam.
Please RSVP here.
ICE 2025 registration now open
ICE 2025 will take place for the first time at its new home, Barcelona's Fira Grand Via, on January 20-22.
Over 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the world's largest global gaming event.
Registration for ICE 2025 is now open.
PS: If you are exhibiting at ICE (or otherwise participating) and need help organizing your tailor-made evening event, please consider contacting Sapyns: https://www.sapyns.com/ice2025.
Dutch trade associations launch portal for reporting illegal gambling
Online gambling trade associations NOGA and VNLOK have jointly launched a reporting portal “Meld Vals Spel” (meldvalsspel.nl) where association members, other licensees, partner organizations, and other professional stakeholders can report examples of unsafe practices and activities across illegal gambling websites or apps.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of how illegal brands operate and the dangers related to illegal gambling. This should facilitate more effective enforcement against illegal gambling, the two trade bodies believe.
Helma Lodders, chair of VNLOK and Eric Konings, acting director of NOGA, jointly commented:
“Licensed gambling operators have a joint responsibility to offer players a legal, safe and responsible offer. This often goes well, but there remains room for improvement. We are working hard on this every day.
“But while we are doing this, many Dutch people still encounter illegal gambling sites and apps. These illegal operators actively respond to the increasingly strict Dutch regulations, for example by advertising whenever people enter search terms such as ‘playing without limits’ or ‘playing without CRUKS.’
“In doing so, they specifically target vulnerable players. These kinds of illegal practices endanger the safety of players and must be tackled firmly.
The reporting portal aims to supplement the monitoring activities of the Netherlands Gambling Authority and thus contribute to stricter enforcement against illegal offers.
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