The Dutch gambling regulator de Kansspelautoriteit ordered Gammix, a Malta-based operator, to pay EUR4.4m (PS3.9m/$4.7m), after it failed comply with an order to stop operations in the country.
KSA issued a cease and desist order to Gammix last June for illegally selling games to Dutch customers. It was in violation of the country’s Gambling Act.
The regulator stated that it visited Gammix’s Rantcasino.com as well as Nordslot.com on multiple occasions in order to determine if it was possible to place a wager from the Netherlands.
KSA claimed that it was able create a player account using a Dutch IP. This required supplying full name, date and birth details, and nationality. It also allowed you to make a deposit, and then play online.
KSA responded by threatening to impose a fine of up to EUR1.4m per semaine on the operator for failing to leave the country’s markets. The maximum penalty would be EUR4.4m.
Gammix had previously stated that it disagreed with the decision. However, this was rejected later by the regulator.
KSA confirmed that it was still possible to register as a Dutch player after further inspections. Gammix did not take any action to stop offering online gambling in the Netherlands. KSA has now issued Gammix a EUR4.4m penalty.
Rene Jansen, chairman of KSA, stated that “we must continue to combat illegal supply.” An order subject to periodic penalties payments is often effective within administrative laws to stop violations. We take the next step in this instance, as the violation has not been completely stopped.
“We don’t want an order subjected to periodic penalty payments to go unpaid. This would reduce the effectiveness of the remedy. Anybody who continues to violate an order subject to periodic penalty payments must pay. It’s as simple as that.
