Industry News
Fines from the Kansspelautoriteit
A few weeks ago we wrote about the evolution of the UK Gambling Comission. Now, let’s take a look at the Netherlands. So far, 2019 has been a lucrative year for the ‘Kansspelautoriteit’, the Dutch gaming authority. All fines were raised, and 11 casinos received such a fine. In 2018, a total of 1.9 million euros was collected in fines; this year, more than 3.5 million has been collected to date. It seems that the Dutch gaming authority is cleaning house before the legalization of online gaming takes off in January 2021. By the time the newly adopted gambling law is in effect, only casinos and gaming websites with a license from the Kansspelautoriteit can offer their services to Dutch citizens. This is good news for the Dutch: unreliable providers of online games are cracked down on and will later be excluded from the market altogether.
To maximize its effectiveness, the Kansspelautoriteit prioritizes websites that overtly offer their services to Dutch players. According to its own rules, the gaming authority watches for availability to Dutch players, offering the Dutch language on the website or appealing to Dutch players through imagery, and including the exclusively Dutch payment option iDeal. Although many other websites are still accessible to Dutch players, those websites that do not overtly cater to the Dutch market are not the priority for the Kansspelautoriteit.
Which online casinos were fined in 2019?
So far, 9 casinos were fined in 2019. The first fine this year came in February. Exinvest and 1X Corp were fined 400,000 euros. The gambling sites from these enterprises could be accessed from Dutch IP addresses, they offered the payment service iDeal, and used Dutch language on their websites. After a thorough research, it turned out these providers offered 83 other online casinos.
Well-known Casumo was fined in April. This provider, too, was available from Dutch IP addresses and offered the iDeal payment method. The terms and conditions explained that players from the Netherlands could not create a player account, which in practice proved to pose no problems at all. Casumo was fined 310,000 euros.
Casino.com also received a fine in April: this provider had to pay 200,000 euros for offering online games to the Dutch market. Because the company was fined before, the initial fine was doubled. Casino.com was also fined 50,000 euros for charging excessive administrative fees for inactive players. The total amount charged was 450,000 euros.
In June, the Kansspelautoriteit assessed provider Simbat and promotor Spinity. Simbat received a 270,000 euro fine for offering online gambling games. Spinity didn’t offer any such games itself, but was fined 100,000 euros for promoting these games.
BWin followed in August. Their fine totaled 350,000 euros and was based on offering online gambling opportunities to Dutch players, depositing money into a player account using iDeal, and offering live betting options.
The ‘award’ for highest fine goes to Unibet. Their website offered Dutch players the opportunity to place live sports bets and casino games. This provider, too, offered the iDeal payment method, and their customer support through live chat had a Dutch language option. The total fine was 470,000 euros.
The second to last fine to date went to The Stars Group, known for the online poker lobby Pokerstars. The Kansspelautoriteit fined TSG 400,000 euros for offering online games for real money. Although poker is seen as a game of skill rather than a game of chance, Dutch law does not make this distinction. The highest judicial power in the Netherlands ruled poker a game of chance in 1998.
In October, the Kansspelautoriteit announced fines for Royal Panda and LeoVegas. Both of these websites were available from Dutch IP addresses and offered the iDeal payment option. Royal Panda was fined 400,000 euros, whereas LeoVegas got off with a ‘mere’ 350,000 euros.
Raising the fines
To strengthen the efforts of the Kansspelautoriteit, fines were raised to further deter websites from offering their games to the Dutch market. The base payment went up from 150,000 euros to 200,000 euros. The final fine depends on a number of circumstances:
- The number of active websites
- The number of available games
- The presence of live betting options
- The amount in the jackpot or prize pool
- How much can be deposited or bet
- The size of a welcome bonus or other promotions and the presence of a VIP program
- Charging administrative fees to inactive players
- Providing false information to players about gambling licenses
When a casino offers live betting options (betting while a match is going on), the base fine is always raised by 75,000 euros. The same amount applies to providing false information about gambling licenses and charging administrative fees for inactive players. The current fine policy can be viewed here (Dutch).
The Kansspelautoriteit announced more measures going forward; the entire fining policy is projected to be overhauled.
Casino Games
BetMGM is launched in the Netherlands, bringing an authentic Vegas experience to the Dutch market
The golden Vegas offerings and entertainment of BetMGM is coming to the Netherlands, following a successful launch in the UK. BetMGM will offer a best-in-class Las Vegas experience to deliver a new golden era of online casino and sports betting in the Netherlands. Leveraging LeoVegas Group’s proprietary technology and platform, the launch marks a significant step in the brand’s international expansion.
BetMGM, the entertainment and sports brand known for its golden offerings and authentic Vegas experience, is launching in the Netherlands. The new brand is set to provide customers with exciting new product features, including large-scale jackpots, loyalty rewards, exclusive slots, as well as unique and compelling sports promotions. Utilising LeoVegas Group’s proprietary technology and platform, this expansion into the Dutch market represents the second European launch, succeeding a well-received rollout in the United Kingdom.
Gary Fritz, President of MGM Resorts International Interactive, said “We are thrilled to launch BetMGM in the Netherlands and build on BetMGM’s successful expansion into global markets. The Dutch market offers an exciting opportunity and will be an important part of our international expansion efforts and strategy to become a global gaming leader.”
Gustaf Hagman, Group CEO at LeoVegas Group, said “Our launch in the UK was tremendously successful, and we eagerly anticipate bringing the golden Vegas experience to the Netherlands. This launch in the Dutch market is an important step in our international expansion, but we have much more in store.”
Industry News
“Royal Flash” Unveiled by PopOk Gaming – An Exciting Journey Back to Classic Slot Gaming!
PopOK Gaming, a trailblazer in the world of iGaming, is happy to announce the launch of their latest slot game, “Royal Flash.” This classic-style slot game takes players on a fruity escapade, promising an exhilarating journey filled with excitement and grand wins fit for royalty.
Drawing inspiration from traditional fruit machines, “Royal Flash” exudes classic charm with its timeless design and iconic symbols. Set across 5×3 reels and featuring 10 paylines, this game is adorned with familiar fruit symbols such as strawberries, cherries, grapes, and the illustrious Seven symbol.
But the real excitement lies in the gameplay – each Wild symbol that graces the reels expands to form a Wild reel, ramping up the intensity and offering thrilling win potential with every spin. Additionally, keep a keen eye out for the coveted gold bar symbol; landing three or more unlocks a prize from any position on the reels, adding an extra layer of thrill to your gaming experience.
Players can expect to bask in the glory of majestic wins, with the opportunity to claim up to 1,500 times their bet in this modernized twist on a retro-inspired classic. Whether you’re a seasoned slot enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of gaming, “Royal Flash” promises an unforgettable adventure filled with excitement, thrills, and the chance to win big!
Experience the Majesty of “Royal Flash” Today!
Industry News
NuxGame’s Aggregation Platform shortlisted in EGR B2B Awards
NuxGame, the experienced betting and casino software provider, has been recognised at this year’s EGR B2B Awards, receiving a nomination for its Aggregation Platform.
The EGR B2B Awards is one of the most esteemed events in the industry and this shortlisting solidifies NuxGame’s status as a leading casino software supplier and a one-stop shop for casino operators.
Winners are to be selected by a panel of industry experts ahead of the ceremony at The Roundhouse in London on 13th June.
NuxGame’s aggregation platform boasts over 13,600 slots titles from 135 leading providers, which has recently been bolstered thanks to partnerships with the likes of 3 Oaks Gaming, Vivo Gaming and Hacksaw Gaming.
The nomination follows a strong year for the provider, which has made strides in player retention and acquisition tools for its aggregation platform customers with features such as free spins, network tournaments, live streamer promotions and custom thumbnails.
This latest development for NuxGame serves as a testament to its philosophy of staying ahead of the tech curve and harnessing the latest technologies to provide a bespoke and customer-centric service.
Denis Kosinsky, Chief Operating Officer at NuxGame, said: “The EGR B2B Awards is one of the most important dates in the iGaming calendar, so we are honoured that our leading casino aggregation platform has been shortlisted.
“It’s fantastic to be recognised in these prestigious awards, as we are dedicated to delivering the most innovative casino game aggregation platform for our customers.”
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