Gambling corporations in the Netherlands confront legal struggles in multiple collective lawsuits
Unleashing the Dutch Gambling Markets
In a dramatic shift, the Netherlands tosses its hat into the ring of legalized online gambling, ushering in a new era of oversight and consumer protection, effective October 2021. Following this, a Dutch court made waves by ordering two unlicensed online casinos to return funds to players who had incurred hefty losses—over $224,000 per player.
Chasing Lost Winnings
Since then, class actions have gathered steam as players pursue compensation for losses accrued before October's legalization. Notable organizations, such as Gokverliesterug, spearhead these efforts, calling on companies to compensate for the past period, when they operated under Dutch laws but without licenses.
Lawyer Koen Rutten of Gokverliesterug asserts that international operators flouted Dutch gaming norms, relying on the assumption of immunity from punishment. Rutten added, "Many international online casinos ignored Dutch rules for years, assuming they wouldn’t be caught. They should be held accountable for that period, even if they now have licenses."
Pre-Legalization Betting: A Questionable History
Before October 2021, online gambling remained prohibited in the Netherlands. Yet, companies like Unibet, Bwin, and Pokerstars continued to offer their services, presenting a potential victory for Dutch players should the Supreme Court rule in their favor. Such a decision could result in substantial financial compensation for the players' losses.
The Rise of Regulated Operators
The Dutch market welcomes 27 license-holders with 37 brands, and more are expected to join. The Hard Rock Casino NL partners with BetComply to secure its license, illustrating the intensifying competition in the Dutch gaming landscape.
Across the globe, the online gambling industry eyes the Netherlands as an essential player, spurring a surge of entry into the regulated Dutch market.
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Sources:[1] https://www.gamblingtimes.com/2022/06/17/dutch-online-gambling-market-may-already-have-21-operators-by-year-end-confirms-kansspelautoriteit/[2] https://www.kl Ontklikt.nl/actueel/artikelen/wijlen-rijke-sporters-toch-290-duizend-euro-in-prestatie-geld-los?nl=nl_BE[3] https://www.iqigaming.com/opinion/netherlands-online-gambling-legalization-refunding-unlicensed-players/[4] https://www.callegaricom.com/post/do-unlicensed-online-casinos-still-operate-in-the-netherlands-read-this/[5] https://www.politie.nl/nieuws-en-media/artikelen/online-gokken-en-de-overheid-veel-meer-transparantie-en-controle/
In the wake of the legalization of online gambling in the Netherlands, class actions led by Gokverliesterug are gathering momentum, aiming to recoup losses incurred prior to October 2021 by players who interacted with unlicensed online casinos. Koen Rutten, a lawyer from Gokverliesterug, contends that international operators flaunted Dutch gaming norms, relying on a perceived immunity from prosecution.
