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Dutch regulator cracks down on illegal gambling and rogue casino apps

From rogue apps mimicking legal brands to athlete-led promotions, the KSA's latest crackdown exposes gaps in Dutch gambling enforcement. Can stricter rules protect players?

The image shows a poster advertising a casino in Trouville, France. It features two women in a...
The image shows a poster advertising a casino in Trouville, France. It features two women in a boat, one of them holding a net, with the words "Casinos de Trouville Eden Salon" written across the top. The poster has a vintage feel to it, with a muted color palette and a classic font.

Dutch regulator cracks down on illegal gambling and rogue casino apps

The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) is stepping up its fight against illegal gambling. Recent actions include warnings to licensed operators and a crackdown on unregulated apps. The regulator has also urged the public to help identify illegal platforms still accessible to players. The KSA issued warnings to three licensed casinos for breaching advertising and customer service rules. Circus Gran Casino and Hotel Gaming Services BV were penalised for using professional athletes in promotions, violating the role model ban. Noord Zuid Alliantie, operating Lucky 7 Casino, faced a warning after its customer service failed to meet requirements—it was inaccessible and not available in Dutch. The casino's owner has since worked with the KSA to resolve these issues.

Illegal gambling apps remain a persistent problem, with some mimicking the branding of legal providers. The KSA has already removed 20 such apps from app stores this year. Many of these platforms remain accessible to minors, prompting the regulator to call on Dutch consumers to report suspicious apps directly to Apple and Google. Since 2020, the Dutch government has introduced stricter regulations under the Remote Gambling Act (KOA). Measures include mandatory licensing, a self-exclusion system (Cruks), and cooperation with payment providers to block transactions for illegal operators. Since 2022, the KSA has partnered with app stores, social media platforms, and internet service providers to block illegal gambling sites and remove their advertisements. International collaboration with the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) further strengthens these efforts.

The KSA's latest actions target both licensed operators and the black market. By enforcing stricter rules and encouraging public reporting, the regulator aims to reduce illegal gambling access. The focus remains on protecting minors and ensuring compliance with Dutch gaming laws.

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