Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit has fined Casumo, a Mata-based online operator, $347,000 for targeting players in the Netherlands.
An investigation found that Casumo’s website had features aimed at Dutch players, including offering iDeal, the Netherlands’ most popular method for online transactions, as a payment option. The site’s live chat feature was also available in the Dutch language.
The Netherlands prohibits online gambling, though it is currently considering new gambling legislation that would create a regulated market.
“The current Betting and Gaming Act does not offer the possibility to grant a license to be allowed to offer online games of chance,” KSA chairman René Jansen said in a press release. “With the current law, we cannot protect consumers against unfair play. Nor is it possible to control the prevention of gambling addiction and the participation of vulnerable groups such as minors. Fortunately, with the entry into force of the new Remote Gambling Act, we will have the opportunity to do so.”
The Netherlands has issued a number of fines against companies offering unlicensed online play including 1xBet, William Hill, MRG and Betsson Group subsidiary Corona Ltd.
The KSA also increased its fines for unlicensed online gambling activities, after saying the previous maximum penalties were not large enough to deter operators.
