The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has issued formal legal warnings to the organizers of Bingo Loco and its hosting venues, including the Maassilo in Rotterdam.
Following an intensive investigation, the regulator determined that the popular live events were in direct breach of strict Dutch laws governing unlicensed games of chance.
Failing the Regulatory Litmus Test
Under current Dutch law, bingo events can only operate without a license if the host is a registered association that has existed for at least three years and is not created solely for gambling. Furthermore, all proceeds must be donated to a pre-announced charitable cause. Bingo Loco, operated by Legs Eleven Limited, was found to be a purely commercial enterprise designed for private profit, thereby failing every criteria for legal exemption.
The KSA also noted significant violations regarding prize caps. Unlicensed bingo prizes are strictly limited to €400 per win and a total of €1,550 per event. Bingo Loco’s large-scale, high-value prizes far exceeded these limits.
A Shift to Music Quizzes
To avoid heavy administrative fines and the potential confiscation of event materials, the organizers have completely redesigned their show format.
By removing the bingo element and restructuring the events as interactive music quizzes, the company has successfully bypassed gambling restrictions. Because music quizzes rely on player knowledge and skill rather than random chance, they are classified as entertainment rather than gambling under the KSA’s jurisdiction.
