Dutch Gaming Authority Shuts Down Illegal Poker Tournaments
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit/KSA) took action against a series of illegal poker tournaments held in 2024. As part of its enforcement efforts, the regulator seized tens of thousands of euros and imposed a financial penalty of €110,000 on one of the event organizers.
KSA Targeted Illegal Poker Events in Late 2024
According to the KSA, many of these unauthorized poker tournaments are organized by criminals who operate under the guise of legitimate businesses. The regulator stressed that unlicensed gambling is strictly prohibited, as it exposes players to various risks, including financial losses and gambling addiction. Unlike regulated poker games, these illegal high-stakes tournaments offer no consumer protections.
Determined to eliminate illegal poker from the Netherlands, the KSA intensified its enforcement efforts in the final quarter of 2024. In six separate operations, authorities dismantled underground poker events across multiple municipalities, including Amsterdam, Asten, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Tilburg. Significant sums of cash were discovered at each location, with one instance involving as much as €40,000.
Related: KSA stops Autoplay feature in Dutch online casinos
Following the crackdown, one venue that hosted illegal gambling activities was permanently shut down by municipal order. Additionally, a financial penalty was issued against an individual responsible for organizing unauthorized poker games.
Holland Casino Is the Sole Legal Poker Operator
The KSA reminded Dutch players that Holland Casino remains the only authorized operator permitted to host poker tournaments in the country. Since 1975, this state-owned entity has held exclusive rights to organize poker events, which means that all other poker tournaments are unlawful.
Following the raids last year, the KSA plans to increase monitoring efforts, collaborate with law enforcement and local authorities, and conduct more independent investigations to ensure compliance with gambling laws.
More Regulation News
Rise in Suspected Match-Fixing Cases
The KSA’s intensified regulatory efforts come amid growing concerns about problem gambling and sports integrity issues. The regulator's 2024 Match-Fixing Trend Analysis revealed an increase in suspected cases of match-fixing, which suggests a potential rise in illegal activities.
While the higher number of reported cases could indicate that gambling operators are taking their reporting obligations more seriously, the KSA also acknowledged the possibility of an actual surge in match-fixing incidents.
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