Connect with us

Business

The Netherlands KSA imposes a €1 million penalty on lottery groups for violating licensing regulations

Published

on

KSA

Two lottery operators in the Netherlands have been cautioned by the country’s gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), regarding potential fines of up to €1 million if they persist in providing games that fall outside the scope of their licenses.

Postcode Loterij and VriendenLoterij, two lottery operators in the Netherlands, have received an order from the KSA, which includes periodic penalty payments, due to their unauthorized offering of online games that are not permitted under their lottery licenses.

Although the two operators have expressed their intention to appeal the decision, they have agreed to temporarily discontinue the provision of these games starting from 8 June.

According to the regulator, if the operators resume offering the games, they will be subject to penalty payments of €250,000 per week, with a maximum penalty amounting to €1 million.

Advertisement

The KSA has classified the lottery’s offerings as games of chance

The KSA has determined that titles such as “Deal or no Deal” offered by Postcode Loterij and “FriendsLottery Millionaires” fall under the category of online games of chance, which are not covered by their lottery licenses.

In a statement, the KSA emphasized the distinction between lotteries and riskier games of chance, stating that separate licenses are required for each. It clarified that lotteries cannot be offered online and that selling participation tickets via the internet is the only permissible method. The KSA reiterated its commitment to maintaining the separation between lotteries and online games of chance.

Postcode Loterij and VriendenLoterij have expressed their intention to challenge the decision and have issued a joint statement. They argue that the free lottery games in question are a form of entertainment and align with the safe nature of a non-profit lottery, whose sole purpose is to raise funds for charitable causes. They emphasize that participants do not win anything by playing the games directly, as prizes are awarded only after a draw takes place. According to them, these games meet the requirements of the lottery license.

In a separate development, a report by Dutch Finance Minister Marnix van Rij has indicated that the government is exploring potential new options for Nederlandse Loterij (NLO), including the potential privatization of the state-owned enterprise.

Advertisement

Jerome, a valuable addition to the Gamingo.News team, brings with him extensive journalistic experience in the iGaming sector. His interest in the industry was sparked during his college years when he participated in local poker tournaments, eventually leading to his exposure to the burgeoning world of online poker and casino rooms. Jerome now utilizes his accumulated knowledge to fuel his passion for journalism, providing the team with the latest online scoops.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Gamingo.News stands as a premier digital destination dedicated to delivering top-tier news and insights in the gaming and gambling industry. This specialized media outlet garners the attention of over 120,000 readers each month, providing them with engaging content, current news, and in-depth analyses.
The platform offers extensive coverage of various facets of the gaming world, including both online and brick-and-mortar gaming, wagering, esports, updates on regulations and compliance, as well as technological innovations. Regular content includes daily news stories, press releases, unique interviews, and comprehensive reports on events.
Moreover, Gamingo.News organizes webinars pertinent to the industry and offers detailed reports, establishing itself as a comprehensive information source for those interested in learning about gaming market operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services. The portal's main objective is to keep its large audience informed about the latest news, trends, and developments in the gaming and gambling sectors. It focuses particularly on the European igaming market but also covers significant global news, proving to be an invaluable tool for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts.

For inquiries, reach out at: sales@gamingo.news

For editorial or PR submissions, contact: media@gamingo.news

Copyright © 2024 Gamingo.News.