Dutch police cracked down on a gambling ring that was illegal and arrested nearly a dozen individuals. The authorities also seized illegal drugs and a few guns in addition to the poker operations that were not licensed.
This operation was the result of a collaboration between the Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit and the police. The police raided a suspected location in Nieuwpoortkade, Amsterdam-West shortly before midnight. Locals claim that the raid continued throughout the night.
Police found a group of people playing illegal poker. The police arrested 11 people after interrupting the game. The authorities also seized poker supplies, drugs and two firearms. The enforcers also seized a number electronic devices, such as hard drives and phones. The KSA reported that many of the items found suspicious were discovered by sniffer dogs.
Police investigators are investigating the arrestees in order to determine who owns the firearms. Criminal investigation is also looking into the arrestees so that they can be prosecuted appropriately.
KSA: Unlicensed operations hurt the market
Kansspelautoriteit released a statement criticizing the illegal gambling operation. It reminded people that unlicensed activity undermines the business of those companies who play by the rules. The KSA also noted that illegal gambling rings and black market operators rarely offer the same safe gambling protections as legal gambling companies.
The KSA also emphasized that illegal gambling and illegal drug use are grave violations of public order. Illegal gambling dens are often the breeding ground for other crimes such as violence, money laundering and distribution of illegal substances.
The KSA has warned that the KSA will continue to collaborate with the KSA to combat crime and fraud.
Other KSA Activities
The KSA has also recently fined several licensed operators for less serious but still serious gambling related violations. , a watchdog , fined Merkur almost $50,000 earlier this month for allowing an exclusioned individual to gamble.
KSA had earlier fined Betent $438,000 for promoting their products to young adults. The Dutch market does not prohibit young adults from playing but it wants to protect them against overexposure to gambling. Many studies have shown that young people are still developing their behavior, so they are more susceptible to gambling harm.
sanctioned in March for targeting local customers with an online gambling site without a license.
