KSA Imposes Penalty on BlockDance BV for Unlicensed Gambling

The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has taken decisive action against BlockDance BV, imposing a substantial penalty for offering unlicensed gambling services in the Netherlands. Operating through bc.game and bcgame.lu, BlockDance faces a potential fine of up to €840,000 if it fails to comply with Dutch gambling regulations.

KSA Fines BlockDance BV for Unlicensed Gambling via bc.game in the Netherlands

The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has issued a penalty payment order to BlockDance BV for offering unlicensed gambling in the Netherlands through the websites bc.game and bcgame.lu. The KSA’s action comes as part of its ongoing efforts to protect Dutch players and maintain the integrity of the regulated gambling market in the country.

Key Points:

1. Unlicensed Gambling via bc.game: BlockDance BV offered gambling services to Dutch players without a proper licence, leading to the KSA’s enforcement action.
2. Financial Penalty for Non-Compliance: If BlockDance does not stop providing these unlicensed services within four weeks, it faces a fine of €280,000 per week, with a maximum penalty of €840,000.
3. Ongoing Efforts to Protect Dutch Players: The KSA continues to enforce strict regulations on unlicensed operators to ensure player protection in the regulated market.

KSA’s Enforcement

The KSA took action after an investigation revealed that BlockDance BV was allowing Dutch players to create accounts, make deposits, and participate in games of chance without having a licence to operate in the Netherlands. This contravenes Dutch gambling laws, which require operators to obtain a licence before offering gambling services to local players.

Although BlockDance initially made an attempt to block Dutch users from accessing its gambling websites, the KSA’s monitoring revealed that access had later been restored. As a result, the KSA has now imposed strict enforcement measures, giving BlockDance four weeks to cease all illegal gambling activities targeting Dutch players.

If BlockDance fails to comply, the company will be fined €280,000 per week, up to a maximum of €840,000. The KSA emphasized that no technical measures were in place to prevent Dutch players from accessing these gambling websites, leading to the imposition of the penalty.

Protecting the Dutch Market

The KSA continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting the regulated gambling market in the Netherlands. Since the country’s gambling regulations became more stringent, the authority has actively targeted unlicensed operators to ensure compliance and safeguard player welfare.

In a statement, the KSA highlighted the importance of maintaining a regulated market and ensuring that gambling operators adhere to the licensing requirements. The agency has consistently taken action against those who operate without a licence, ensuring that Dutch players have access only to legally sanctioned gambling services.

BlockDance BV and Industry Implications

The case of BlockDance BV is not unique, as several unlicensed operators have faced penalties for failing to comply with Dutch gambling laws. The KSA’s continued oversight is critical in preventing unregulated operators from undermining the legal gambling market.

This action follows other key developments in the Dutch gambling industry, such as the recent issuance of a licence to Lucky 7, marking the fifth brand to launch on the Finnplay platform. The KSA remains focused on ensuring that operators respect the country’s gambling regulations and that illegal services do not impact Dutch consumers.

The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) is actively enforcing regulations to protect the Dutch gambling market from unlicensed operators like BlockDance BV. With a potential fine of up to €840,000, the KSA’s latest action serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to licensing requirements and protecting players from the risks associated with illegal gambling services.