Netherlands launches online gambling crackdown ahead of World Cup

The Netherlands gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has launched a fresh crackdown on online gambling ahead of football World Cup in Russia. The Netherlands have not qualified for the World Cup.

The Dutch regulator announced that its focus will be on two things: cracking down underage gambling and identifying unauthorised betting that offer betting to local citizens. The only licensed betting operator in the country is Toto, which is part of the Dutch lottery. All other operators are forced to refuse Netherlands residents’ bets.

KSA said that the crackdown will begin ahead of the World Cup as there will likely be an increase in the number of people betting, even if the national team has not qualified for the tournament. It also urged people to report gambling activity involving minors through a special notification form on its website.

“The gaming authority acts against illegal gambling providers because there is no control on the fairness of the game, the detection of gambling addiction and the participation of vulnerable groups, such as minors,” reads a statement from KSA.

And it continues: “Young people form a vulnerable group; gambling providers must make every effort to prevent minors from participating. The gaming authority would like to hear from parents, teachers, friends or other people involved whether they take part in sports betting by minors.”

Source: FocusGamingNews