According to the recently formed Netherlands Kanspelautoriteit (KSA), it is making headway in tackling the issue of illegal online gambling in the country.
A call to some 40 operators in June this year to halt their offering to Dutch consumers has resulted in over half of those withdrawing from the market (or soon to do so) and stopping radio, television and print advertising said the authority.
These companies account for 60 – 80 percent of the market, it said, and would be viewed favourably should a formal licencing regime be instituted in the country.
Those still operating will be vigorously pursued by the KSA using a number of measures that include cease and desist orders and/or a fine amounting to Euro 780 000 or more. Dot nl domains would be subject to a fine of 10 percent of their estimated revenue.
“They will certainly not escape our attention,” said Paul Tang, Executive Board member KSA. “We will pursue illegal providers and make it as difficult as possible.”