KSA slaps unlicensed operator with record €19m fine

The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has handed down a record fine of €19.7m to Gammix for operating illegally in the Netherlands.

Malta-based Gammix had previously been issued a €4m fine last March for offering online games of chance without a licence.

Despite the previous warning and punishment, the KSA has reported that Gammix, through various websites including rantcasino.com, betoriginal.com, nordslot.com and scatters.com, has continued to offer games to Dutch players.

In a statement explaining why the fine was the largest handed out since the KSA was formed in April 2012, the authority said Gammix’s sites did not have age verification and included autoplay and turbo play which incited “immoderate play” and “other unreasonable conditions”.

René Jansen, KSA chairman, stressed the regulator will continue to protect players against operators that break the rules.

Jansen said: “Dutch players must be protected; that is why we are cracking down on illegal offers.

“We see that illegal providers often pay little attention to the player and do not adhere to a duty of care.

“We also see this with this provider; for example, there was no clear age verification. That is hugely harmful.

“That is why we will continue to take punitive action, even if providers repeatedly make mistakes.”

Last December, the KSA handed a €3m fine to Entain-owned BetCity after the regulator found shortcomings in the operator’s anti-money laundering and terrorist financing procedures.

Elsewhere, Jansen announced last October that he would be stepping down from his role of chair of the KSA this year