BWin hit with fine by Dutch Regulator

By Simon Wright, Last updated Mar 1, 2021

The owners and operators of Bwin.com, ElectraWorks Limited, have been hit by a fine of 350,000 Euros by the Dutch Gaming Regulator, Kansspelautoriteit.

The fine is in relation to the KSA ( The Dutch Regulator – Kansspelautoriteit ) identifying Bwin.com specifically targeting and marketing their services, which include an online casino and sports betting site, to Dutch residents.

Lately the KSA have been coming down hard on iGaming operators who actively target residents of Holland, with online gambling not set to be regulated in the country until 2021, after a bill legislating such action was passed back in February.

In confirming the action taken by the KSA, the Dutch Gaming Authority cited research undertaken showed that the BWin.com website was “At least for a certain period of time offering online games of chance. There was a large selection of sports bets on the site.”

“It was also possible to play live casino games such as roulette, black jack and poker. The site focused (also) on Dutch consumers. This is evident from the use of the Dutch payment method iDEAL. Offering the possibility of gambling is prohibited in the Netherlands without a license. Under the current Gambling Act, it is not possible to obtain a license for online gambling.”

BWin.com now join the likes of Casumo who were fined earlier this year for marketing their online casino operation in Holland.

From January 2021 iGaming operators will be able to offer gaming services to residents of Holland, with permits and licences being issued by the KSA in the run up to this date.

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