Dutch Gaming Authority to Combat Gambling Apps

Netherlands have continued their efforts to prevent unlicensed gambling operators from offering their services to the country’s residents, and after targeting online gaming websites, they are not turning their attention towards gambling applications.

Kansspelautoriteit (KSI) released a statement on their official website, announcing their plans to post a public list of mobile applications they believe are harmful for Dutch residents.

49 Mobile Apps In the Crosshairs

The regulatory body wants both the application stores and app developers to remove said content from their websites, with a total of 49 apps having been found to offer Dutch gamers a chance to place real money wagers via their tablets and smartphones.

KSI is concerned by both real money apps and those offering free play, but they are currently focusing their efforts on products that allow players to wager real cash.

Netherlands authorities have been working hard to create a regulated gaming market in the country, but the process has seen numerous delays, meaning that KSI had no option but to keep fining unlicensed websites despite the fact that those same operators will be more than welcome to apply for licenses as soon as the legal framework is passed.

The Remote Gambling Bill will be considered in the Lower House of Dutch Parliament next week, but there is little to no chance of the bill becoming a law by the end of the year.

Namely, according to KSI spokesman Martijn van de Koolwijk, with three delays already preventing the legislation from being passed, the regulated market is unlikely to kick off until the end of 2017.

KSI Tripled Fines in August 2015

Approximately a year ago, KSI decided to triple fines for illicit gambling operators, as the fine for offering online gambling services without a valid license is now €150,000, while gaming companies that are found guilty of repeating said offence could be forced to cough out €810,000.

There are a number of factors that decide the exact cost, but the Dutch Gaming Authority is clearly determined to protect the country residents until the legal gambling market is finally created.

Numerous gaming operators have been forced to block Dutch players from accessing their websites, but some keep finding ways to circumvent the ban and ensure steady stream of revenue from Dutch gamers.