Gaming authority introduces new fining policy from 2025
The Gaming Authority (Ksa), the Dutch gambling market regulator, has introduced a new penalty policy effective January 1, 2025. This policy is stricter and provides greater clarity for businesses. Its main goal is to ensure a fair and safe gambling market where players are better protected, and illegal activities are combated.
How does the new penalty policy work?
The new policy includes five penalty categories, each with fixed amounts. Fines range from €500 to a maximum of €2,000,000. In severe cases, a fine can reach up to 3% of the gross revenue of the violating company. The highest penalty (category V) applies to violations of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Act (Wwft). Other violations, such as breaches of the Remote Gambling Act, generally fall under category IV.
Overview of penalty categories:
Category | Penalty Range | Base Fine |
---|---|---|
I | €0 – €500 | €500 |
II | €0 – €10,000 | €10,000 |
III | €0 – €200,000 | €100,000 |
IV | €0 – €1,000,000 | €500,000 |
V | €0 – €4,000,000 | €2,000,000 |
How are fines determined?
The Ksa follows a nine-step process to calculate the fine amount. Factors such as the severity of the violation, the level of culpability, the company’s financial capacity, and whether the violation is repeated are taken into account. The fine can be adjusted: in some cases, the amount may be increased or decreased by up to 50%, depending on the circumstances. This ensures a fair and flexible approach.
What is the role of the Gaming Authority?
The Gaming Authority is an independent authority overseeing the gambling market in the Netherlands. Since the opening of the online gambling market in 2021, the regulator has tightened its policies to better protect players and combat illegal gambling practices. With the new penalty policy, the Ksa aims to further professionalize its approach and more effectively address violations.