The Netherlands’ gaming authority has fined two companies in connection with illegally operating in the country.
Total E Soft Limited (Great Britain) and XKL Limited, as well as the directors of Total E Soft, have been fined €180,000 ($199,000), after the Kansspelautoriteit found it offered illegal gaming through 14 websites.
The gaming authority studied the sites between March and June 2014, and found that they all linked to the advertiser XKL Limited and used the same software from Total E Soft Limited. The sites offered casino gaming, digital slots, poker and sports betting.
“The Gaming Authority believes it is important that consumers are informed and warned about the participation in online gambling and the risks attached thereto,” said a Kansspelautoriteit spokesman. “The regulator expects that the disclosure of the penalty decision will have a preventive effect on other businesses.”
The companies defended themselves by stating that they used Dutch language and made use of the country’s flag as they offered gaming to Dutch speakers living abroad. They are both allowed to appeal the fines.
Total E Soft’s website states “we offer a competitive and affordable casino and sportsbetting solution, which is currently available in up to 16 languages – with many more to come over the next few months”.
The Netherlands is currently in the process of introducing its Remote Gambling Act, but delays mean that some believe it will not be passed by Parliament before the end of 2015.
Last year, fines totalling €310,000 were handed out to Redcorp SA, Bluemay Enterprises NV and Bluemay Enterprises Ltd for their involvement in unlicensed websites, while the likes of William Hill have blocked access to their sites ahead of the licensed framework being introduced.
“The provision of online gambling, without being in possession of a permit, is prohibited in the Netherlands,” the spokesperson added. “Currently there is a law in preparation for working out the licensing system for online gambling, with which it will be possible in the future to obtain a permit and legally offer games of chance via the internet. Until that time, this is not allowed.”
source : www.totallygaming.com
