BlockDance, a gaming company, has recently been fined by the Dutch gambling regulator for offering games of chance without the necessary license. The company, BlockDance BV, has been warned that it could face a hefty fine of up to €840,000 ($910,800) if it does not cease operations immediately in the Netherlands. The Dutch gambling regulator, De Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), conducted an investigation into the company and found that it was illegally offering games of chance on two different sites, bc.game and bcgame.lu.
Initially, the sites had denied access to Dutch gamblers following an inspection by the KSA. However, they were once again accessible in the Netherlands, allowing players to create accounts, make deposits, and gamble on games of chance. As a result of this violation, BlockDance will now face the fine imposed by the regulator.
The penalty for BlockDance will increase if the operator does not block all access from the Netherlands within four weeks of receiving the order. The company will be subject to a weekly fine of €280,000 ($303,858) for every week that it remains operational and accessible to players in the Netherlands, up to the maximum fine of €840,000. The KSA emphasized the importance of enforcing penalties against illegal gambling operators in order to protect players in a regulated market.
The crackdown on illegal gambling sites in the Netherlands is part of a broader effort to regulate the gaming industry and protect consumers. Many cases of illegal gambling sites have been identified, dating back to before the introduction of a regulated market in 2021. In a recent development, some operators were required to provide refunds to gamblers who lost money on sites that were operating without the necessary license in the Netherlands.
Additionally, new restrictions were implemented at the beginning of the month, limiting gamblers to a maximum monthly deposit of €700 ($775) with proof of income required for any exceptions. These strict regulations are aimed at curbing the appeal of unregulated gambling sites and ensuring that players are protected in a regulated market.
Despite these efforts, the KSA faces challenges in denying Dutch gamblers access to illegal gambling sites. With the proliferation of online gaming platforms, the regulator must remain vigilant in enforcing regulations and cracking down on operators who violate the law. By imposing fines and penalties, the KSA aims to deter illegal gambling activities and protect consumers in the Netherlands.