Cruks is a self-exclusion tool enabling players in the Netherlands to block access to land-based and online gambling platforms.
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch Gambling Authority, has imposed a fine of €400,000 ($416,204) on Optdeck Service Limited for allowing players registered in the Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen (Cruks) to gamble on its platform, Unibet.
Cruks: Safeguarding Player Self-Exclusion
Cruks is a self-exclusion tool enabling players in the Netherlands to block access to land-based and online gambling platforms. Using BSN numbers, gambling operators are required to cross-reference the Cruks register when players attempt to sign up or log in.
The Breach and Investigation
On 28 June 2023, a player notified the KSA that they had managed to gamble on Unibet despite being registered in Cruks. An investigation revealed that during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Unibet failed to perform the mandatory checks, allowing 15 self-excluded players to place bets on its platform.
Optdeck admitted it faced error messages when consulting Cruks using BSN numbers during this period. To mitigate these errors, it resorted to an outdated API method (“ConsultDocumentRequest”), which is no longer supported by the KSA. Optdeck explained that this approach reduced the volume of error messages during a period of heightened activity, as many players attempted to sign up.
Response and Compliance
Optdeck has accepted the sanction without objection and will not challenge the KSA’s decision.
Broader Enforcement by the KSA
This is not the first penalty issued by the KSA in recent months. It also sanctioned FBC BV for offering games of chance without the legally required permit in the Netherlands, demonstrating the regulator’s continued vigilance in enforcing gambling laws.
The fine highlights the KSA’s commitment to ensuring player protection and maintaining the integrity of self-exclusion systems in the Dutch gambling market.