The main gaming authority in the Netherlands, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), managed to shut down illegal Facebook pages that provides online bingo games. According to the KSA, the name of the group that provided these illegal bingo services is ‘Dordtse Queens’. Moreover, the group used Facebook to promote illegal bingo on several different Facebook accounts.
Due to this ‘web’ of accounts, the Dutch KSA dubbed the operation ‘a spider web of illegal bingos’.
The most severe crime, however, is the fact that even minors were able to access the illegal online bingo games. This was more than enough for the Dutch regulator to immediately begin a massive crackdown on all six Facebook accounts forming the ‘spider web’. Consequently, the KSA shut down all of these illegal Facebook bingo pages.
In the official statement, the Dutch regulators make it abundantly clear that they will not tolerate any illegal gambling activities.
For some time now, the KSA is reporting to Facebook if the platform is used for illegal practices. Offering a game of chance without a licence is prohibited in the Netherlands.
Kansspelautoriteit (KSA)
Furthermore, the Dutch regulator warns that they won’t tolerate any similar activity in the future. And this concerns literally anyone that will break the newly regulated Dutch gambling market even in the slightest.
Starting from the 1st of October, the Netherlands has a new set of regulations for online gambling. And they are pretty strict by any standards. So much in fact, that even big names such as Pokerstars and Bwin did not manage to comply with the new Dutch Gambling Act.
Consequently, ever since the beginning of October, the Dutch KSA monitors a total of 25 suspicious online gambling providers. If caught, they will face severe sanctions, ranging from huge fines, up to jail time.
It is fair to say that the illegal online bingo crackdown by the Dutch KSA is only the beginning. Especially since even before the Gambling Act, the Dutch regulator enjoyed a reputation as a strict online gambling authority. Now, however, it seems like there is definitely no room for messing around with illegal practices. Since it is clear that even Facebook pages are not safe.
Regardless, as long as there is the KSA, the Dutch players can be safe knowing they have this regulator in their corner.
