Dutch gaming authority Kansspelautoriteit has issued two fines totaling almost €100,000 due to the operation of gaming machines without a licence.
The two fines in question are a little more than €86,000 and €11,000, respectively, with the Ksa re-emphasising that “the betting and gaming act states that a game of chance may only be offered if a permit has been granted for it”.
Concerning the first penalty of approximately €86,000, the fee was imposed on Schinveld BV for the operation of 45 slot machines without a licence in an entertainment centre in the municipality of Schinveld.
In a media release it was detailed that the firm had taken over the operation of the slot machines without the necessary required licence. The situation had not changed during a second visit by inspectors from the authority.
Leading to a fine of €86,000, the machines in question have subsequently been sold to a another party that holds an operating permit.
A second fine in the region of €11,000 has also been issued, which the Ksa states has also been imposed for the operation of gaming machines, in four cafés in Amsterdam and the surrounding area, without a licence.
Research by the gaming authority highlighted the fact that the person concerned continued to operate after the necessary license had been withdrawn.
Towards the end of 2019 René Jansen, chairman of the Kansspelautoriteit, helped to shed further insight on the Remote Gaming Act, addressing the licensing procedure, as well as advertising and age verification protocols.
Speaking at a Gaming in Holland meeting in Amsterdam, it was reemphasised that as things stand, the Act will be introduced on January 1, 2021 rather than our original target date of July 1, 2020.
Online gambling operation licences can be applied for as soon as the new law has entered into force, with the Dutch market scheduled to open up six months later.