Dutch Gaming Authority Fine Alimaniere €1 Million for Illegal Gambling
Kansspelautoriteit, the Dutch gambling authority, has issued a substantial fine of €1,050,000 to Alimaniere Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada for operating online gambling services without a valid license.
This enforcement action underscores the Netherlands' commitment to maintaining a regulated and safe gambling market, protecting consumers from the risks associated with illegal providers.
Alimaniere Penalized for Multiple Violations
Alimaniere’s unauthorized activities came to light through its website, time2spin.com, which allowed Dutch players to engage in online gambling. A re-inspection confirmed that the website was no longer accessible, thanks to an implemented IP block. However, further investigation revealed that Alimaniere circumvented these measures by launching a new website, timetospin1.com. Astonishingly, Dutch players could continue using accounts they had previously created on the initial platform. This blatant disregard for regulations led the KSA to impose a penalty payment order on the operator. Following swift action, both websites have now been rendered inaccessible.
The role of Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) extends beyond merely blocking access to illegal platforms; it also involves imposing sanctions for the duration of unlawful activities. In this case, the investigation identified multiple aggravating factors, prompting a fine significantly higher than the basic penalty of €600,000. These additional violations included inadequate measures to prevent risky gambling behavior, such as the absence of age verification mechanisms, which allowed minors to participate. Furthermore, the operator charged inactivity fees to users who did not utilize their accounts for extended periods, a practice deemed exploitative and unacceptable.
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KSA Takes Decisive Action Against Illegal Operators
Michel Groothuizen, chairman of the KSA board, emphasized the importance of a regulated gambling market in safeguarding players.
The Netherlands has a legal market to ensure that people who want to gamble can do so safely. With illegal providers, we often see that no account is taken of the prevention of risky gaming behavior. For example, there was a lack of age verification, which allowed minors to play, and inactivity costs were charged when someone did not use their account for a while. We, therefore, take tough action against these types of parties.
The fine imposed on Alimaniere sends a clear message to illegal gambling operators that violations will not be tolerated. It also reaffirms the KSA’s dedication to fostering a secure and fair gambling environment where consumer protection and compliance with regulations are paramount. Through rigorous oversight and decisive action, the Gaming Authority aims to deter illegal activities and uphold the integrity of the Dutch gambling market.
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