The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelaanbieders says it will increase fines levied against online gambling sites operating illegally in the Netherlands beginning January 1.
Sites operating in the country illegally could face penalties of up to €820,000, depending on the violation. While Dutch authorities have levied heavy fines before, they have often been much lower.
In 2015, for example, online gambling operators Bluemay Enterprises and Redcorp were fined €240,000 each for breaking regulations against featuring Dutch flags and Dutch language on their casino websites and offering bonuses to Dutch players.
Kansspelaanbieders said in a statement that the regulator has issued many warnings about illegal gambling operations in the country and is now ready to enforce actions against unlicensed sites more vigorously.
This summer, the Dutch Lower House passed a proposed bill with new regulations for online gaming. The bill still faces a Senate vote, but passed the House easily. The regulator, however, said the new regulations could still be more than a year away from being approved and offshore online sites could seek licensing in the country.
