Dutch regulator shuts down illegal bingo operation – Legal

KSA previously took action against the same organization, which it said hosted events that drew hundreds of people. According to the regulator, minors were among the participants in the illegal bingo sessions.

A previous KSA investigation found that Operation Dordtse Queens promoted bingo on Facebook. Meta, the parent company of the social media platform, removed these pages after being contacted by KSA.

However, further investigation by the KSA revealed that the same organization continued to promote and host illegal bingo on other sites.

Prices confiscated in raid

KSA inspectors identified the location of a planned physical bingo event in Dordrecht. It conducted a raid on the premises, with around 200 people present. Prizes on offer included branded clothing, bags and shoes, which were confiscated in the raid.

According to Dutch law, bingo is only permitted under strict conditions. This includes a game that takes place in a closed circle of people who know each other, for example in the family or within a company.

Associations can also host bingo for charity and prizes can have a maximum value of €1,550 (£1,356/$1,683). Permission from the local municipality is required for these types of games.

“KSA sees that people are not always aware of the rules surrounding bingo and lotteries,” KSA said. “In bingo, participation in illegal bingo is also generally punishable and minors are not permitted to participate under any circumstances.” Organizers of illegal lotteries and bingos also face a high fine.”

KSA is taking action against illegal gambling on the Dutch market

This case is the latest example of the KSA’s efforts to combat illegal gambling in the country.

Last month, MKC Limited was fined €900,000 for illegally offering gambling services in the Netherlands. The group allowed Dutch residents to gamble on its unlicensed website Betworld247.

Players can create an account at Betworld247 with Dutch address details and participate in online gambling. KSA said no technical measures were taken to prevent participants from the Netherlands, citing possible IP blocks as an example.

According to the KSA, MKC’s actions violated Dutch betting and gambling law. This mandates that all operators must have a local license in order to legally offer gambling services.

MKC also had its Maltese license revoked earlier this year.