The Netherlands Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has fined MKC Limited €900,000 for offering unlicensed online gambling in the Dutch market.
According to a statement released today, the KSA found that the company allowed customers in the Netherlands to access illegal games of chance through the website betworld247.com which is owned by MKC Limited. The operator does not currently hold a license for the Dutch market and is therefore in direct breach of the Gambling Act.
The KSA investigation found that customers who accessed the website could create an account using an address in the Netherlands before making deposits and playing games. This was all possible without the need for a VPN. The KSA also noted that at no point were customers required to verify their age.
Speaking of the fine, René Jansen, chairperson of the KSA said:
‘At MKC Limited, players could enter an age themselves without clear identification. This means that their website is also accessible to very vulnerable, underage players. This is a seriously culpable offense, which we have also included as an increasing factor for the fine. It shows once again that in many cases little attention seems to be paid to the safety of players on the illegal market.’
The latest order from the KSA follows the recent issuance of a fine to Blue High House. The company was fined a maximum of €129,000 ($135,997). for unlicensed gambling activity.
This brings the total fines for 2023 to more than €385,653,591 ($408,016,927) while the KSA’s fines make up almost €13.7 million ($14.5 million) of that figure. According to research by USA-Casino.com, gambling industry fines in 2022 came to €251,712,034 ($269,532,490) – a significant increase of 443.9% compared to 2021’s total of €44,753,969 ($48,642,992).
Gambling industry journalist with a background in online poker and trading. Covering the regulated U.S Sports industry and the exciting world of online poker.