KSA outlines plans to tackle illegal games of chance

Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has outlined new proposals which would identify and tackle illegal land-based games of chance.

The plans, which will come into force in 2020, will highlight the need to collaborate more local authorities across the Netherlands, having set targets to support authorities at least 50 times during the next 12 months – a marked increase on the 35 times during 2019.

“As a supervisor, the KSA has the expertise to recognise illegal games of chance, for example in the form of gambling columns or illegal poker tournaments,” the KSA said in a statement.

Supporting local authorities, the KSA will advise local authorities on preparing checks for illegal games of chance, while also committing to deploying its own inspectors to support officers.

“As a supervisor, the KSA has the expertise to recognise illegal games of chance, for example in the form of gambling columns or illegal poker tournaments,” it added. “If desired, the Ksa can prepare an expert report that can be used for the investigation.”

Last month, the KSA updated industry stakeholders on ‘provisional guidance’ relating to its licensing process, which is scheduled to officially open from 1 July 2020.

It details guidance on core requirements sanctioned by its upcoming licensing process, reminding operators that applications will cost €45,000 each with no refund granted should an operator fail to secure a permit.

From July 2020, applicants will be able to apply for four types of B2C licences – Casino Games, Sports Betting, Horseracing and P2P Casino Games (online poker).