The new structure includes five categories of fines, ranging from €500 in Category 1 to a minimum of €2 million in Category 5.
The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has rolled out a new fine system aimed at encouraging greater adherence to regulations.
Five Categories of Fines
The new structure includes five categories of fines, ranging from €500 in Category 1 to a minimum of €2 million in Category 5.
Category 5 fines will specifically address violations of the Netherlands Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Prevention) Act (WWFT). While the minimum fine in this category is €2 million, companies may face penalties of up to €4 million for severe breaches.
For non-WWFT violations under Category 4, the KSA will also consider imposing a turnover-related fine of three per cent of gross turnover. The regulator explained that taking turnover into account would “increase the effectiveness of the fine.”
A Professional Approach
Michel Groothuizen, chairman of the KSA board, commented on the changes:
“The KSA is becoming increasingly professional as an organisation. After the opening of the online market in 2021, we were given a new category of licence holders.
“In 2022, we imposed a first fine on a licence holder. We have now gained enough experience to arrive at a well-considered fine policy for both licence holders and other parties.
“This creates clarity for the parties under our supervision and hopefully motivates them even more to avoid fines.”
Applicability and Exceptions
The updated fine system will apply to all violations under the KSA’s supervision. However, policies related to illegal online supply, the illegal operation of gaming machines, and gambling terminals will continue to follow separate rules with a different fine system for these specific cases.