The Netherlands gambling authority, de Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has fined Red Ridge Marketing €675,000 for advertising illegal online gambling websites.
Red Ridge hit with first of periodic penalties
The company had previously been warned about its marketing of illegal and unlicensed gambling operators and was told that it would be subject to periodic penalty payments. Despite the warning, the KSA found that Red Ridge has not removed its promotions of illegal sites and has now been issued with the first of those periodic penalties.
The investigation carried out by the KSA found that not only did Red Ridge websites promote illegal gambling but they contained misleading statements about unlicensed websites operating in the Dutch market. These included listing the advantages of unlicensed websites for younger players and the assertion that these websites were safe to play.
Red Ridge has not yet responded to the cease and desist order or to the fine imposed.
René Jansen, chairman of the KSA said in statement:
‘Promoters of illegal games of chance providers also receive our attention. They must also comply with the law, especially when it comes to protecting young adults. We will do everything we can to stop these practices.’
This brings the total fines for 2023 to more than €26 million while the KSA’s fines make up almost €8.5 million of that figure.
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.
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.