KSA Investigates Surging Crypto Payments for illegal gambling

Dutch Gambling Regulator Reports on Enforcement Actions, Investigates Crypto Payments and Illegal Gambling on Social Media

The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the gambling regulator in the Netherlands, has released a report detailing its enforcement actions in the first half of the year. The KSA’s investigations focused on various areas, including crypto payments, illegal gambling promotions on social media, and non-compliant gambling websites.

In relation to social media, the KSA conducted 32 investigations into illicit gambling activities. It probed posts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, resulting in the closure of several accounts by Meta, the owner of these platforms, following the KSA’s requests.

The KSA also introduced new investigative techniques and issued three orders against operators who were targeting the Netherlands without a valid local license. These orders demanded that operators cease targeting the country or face recurring fines. The regulator is currently preparing additional reports for fines against other illegal operators. Additionally, the KSA is set to take action against four out of the eight websites it began investigating at the end of 2022.

Furthermore, the KSA conducted six investigations into gambling operators accepting bitcoin payments. Each investigation led to the imposition of sanctions. The regulator noted an increase in the promotion of cryptocurrencies as a payment method by illegal online operators.

In its efforts to combat illegal gambling, the KSA collaborated with law enforcement in 42 cases involving illegal land-based gaming, including the raiding of unauthorized poker events.

Meanwhile, Dutch Minister for Legal Protections, Franc Weerwind, urged gambling operators to ensure compliance with the country’s new ban on untargeted gambling advertising, which came into effect recently. Weerwind expressed confidence in the KSA’s ability to enforce the new rules. The ban covers TV, radio, print, and public space advertisements. When questioned about enforcement methods, Weerwind stated that the KSA would bear ultimate responsibility, without specifying the use of fines, but assured that enforcement would be effective. The KSA does issue fines for other offenses.