The Netherlands police arrested 11 individuals during an raid in Amsterdam on premises suspected to be hosting illegal gambling.
In partnership with the regulator de Kansspelautoriteit, police conducted a raid on a site on Nieuwpoortkade near Amsterdam-West. The raid was conducted in response to reports that illegal gambling had been taking place on the premises.
Investigators found people playing illegal poker during the raid. The police recovered poker cards, drugs, and firearms.
Investigators have also confiscated a variety of electronic devices, including hard drives and phones.
The police said that investigations are still ongoing into those arrested, and it’s not clear who the gun owners were.
KSA has supported the police in their raid, and it is currently preparing its report.
KSA stated that “illegal gambling is unfair competition against companies who have licenses and are required to comply with all sorts of rules. For example, in order to avoid gambling addiction by customers.”
The presence of illegal gambling and drugs on an industrial park is a violation of the public order.
The places that offer illegal gambling are breeding grounds for criminals and provide the chance to wash money. This could attract violent people.
Poker is illegal
In the Netherlands, poker gaming is legal only at Holland Casino locations. In recent months, however, police have conducted a series of raids similar to this one in response reports of illegal activities.
Casino Nieuws reports that two illegal poker tourneys were busted by the police earlier this year.
Four suspects were detained in Valkenswaard, Netherlands for organizing an illegal event. Two people were arrested in Vlissingen one month later during an illegal cash-game.
Privatisation
The Netherlands has revealed that it is exploring new options, including privatisation of the Nederlandse Loterij.
The Dutch Finance Minister Marnix Van Rij has released an assessment of the NLO’s state shareholding. These evaluations are planned to be conducted on an annual cycle of seven years for all assets owned by the state. The main issue this year was the NLO’s and Holland Casino’s status.
According to the report, “the lottery company is ready for privatisation on both a financial and an organisational level”.
