GGPoker has confirmed it received a license from the Dutch regulator (KSA) on 1 October, and after resolving any delays at GGPoker.nl during the soft launch period, is now accepting players from the Netherlands. 

One of the first global gambling operators to receive a Dutch license, the localised site ggpoker.nl enables players to enjoy poker tournaments and cash game action, while benefiting from all the safer gambling features required by the strict local regulations. 

Commenting on the launch, Head of Europe at GGPoker, Marco Trucco, said: “The online poker landscape has changed a lot since the closure of the Dutch market, several years ago. Arguably, the biggest difference is that GGPoker is now the largest poker site in the world and the place where everyone loves to play. We’re really excited to welcome Dutch players to GGPoker to compete for the most prestigious poker achievements or just to have some fun at the tables.”

Staying with GGPoker, over the last few months, the brand has also received a Ukrainian license, and entered the Belgian market with a local site.

Operators awarded licenses are:

• TOTO online (owned by Dutch government-backed Nederlandse Loterij)
• Holland Casino (owned by Dutch government)
• Dutch Janshen-Hahnraths Group (FPO Nederland brand)
• Betent
• Bingoal Nederland
• Hillside
• LiveScore Malta
• NSUS Malta
• Play North
• Tombola

Speaking on Dutch TV current affairs program Nieuwsuur on 27 September, KSA Chairman, René Jansen, confirmed that out of 30 applications, only ten had been approved, with the others likely to be rejected for failure to meet requirements. However, Jansen did suggest more licenses would be granted at a later date. 

Meanwhile, LeoVegas has announced it will cease to provide gambling services to the Netherlands as of today, 30 September 2021. The operator has previously been fined and warned by the KSA for offering what it deemed to be illegal online gambling to customers in the country. However, LeoVegas has said it took measures to ensure full compliance with Dutch prioritisation criteria, and the KSA’s policies, and that it intends to apply for a Dutch license later this year. 

In June, LeoVegas joined the Netherlands Online Gaming Association (NOGA), a trade body established to represent gambling providers operating in the country. 

AYO.NEWS says:

The KSA had previously hinted that it wouldn’t be looking kindly on those operators who had dared challenge its authority over the past few years, so it’s perhaps not surprising to see so many applications rejected at this stage. The question is, will the KSA soften its stance as it becomes more comfortable with the operation of the market, or will it continue to turn the screws, Swedish-style?

According to the KSA, an investigation that began in January found Tipico was illegally offering games of chance to customers in the Netherlands via its tipico.com website. Investigators say they were able to register and deposit money into an account from the Netherlands. It was subsequently found that, between 30 April to 31 July 2020, there had been almost 5,000 transactions involving Dutch bank accounts.

This violation attracted a base fine of €200,000. However, the KSA then piled on extra fines of €75,000 each for offering illegal bonuses, charging an inactivity fee, and offering live betting. The fine was also increased because the KSA deemed Tipico had not adequately verified the ages of customers. 

Following the action, Tipico has blocked access to its website from Dutch IP addresses. 

With the long-awaited and much delayed launch of the Dutch gambling market due on 1 October, those operators who have successfully secured a KSA license are gearing up to battle for market share in what promises to be a lucrative market. 

AYO.NEWS says:

Though Tipico might not be having much luck in the Netherlands, it’s been making big strides in rapidly growing US markets over recent months. Just last week, the operator announced a deal with TVM DOOH, the largest display screen network in restaurants and bars across America, while earlier in the month it inked a 10-year multi-state market access agreement with Caesars Entertainment. 

According to the KSA, on 18 May Dutch authorities raided and searched the home of a 56-year-old in Velsen. The resident is suspected of offering online games without a license and being involved in money laundering. Two luxury vehicles, along with cash, jewellery, and paperwork were seized. 

A property in Spain, belonging to the same individual, was also raided and searched, and more items were seized. 

Under the leadership of the Regional Information and Expertise Center (RIEC), the KSA worked with the Dutch and Spanish police, the Public Prosecution Service, tax authorities, and the municipality of Velsen to plan and carry out the actions. 

Investigators working with the Tax and Customs Administration are also looking into two Curaçao-based companies suspected of being connected to the case.

In a statement the KSA said: “Undermining crime blurs the boundaries between the underworld and the upper world. Criminals set up businesses for their activities, apply for permits and rent and buy buildings. For this they need the cooperation of the upper world, such as real estate agents and notaries. In this way these ‘worlds’ become intertwined and criminals can exert pressure on the upper world and take advantage of it.”

Staying with the KSA, earlier this month the regulator warned affiliates promoting unlicensed gambling operators to Dutch consumers to cease, or face imminent action.

Anglo-Dutch cooperation agreement

The Netherlands’ gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has signed a cooperation agreement with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Both regulators will be collaborating in various ways, including information sharing and exchanging regulatory best practices on issues like enforcement and licensing. 

Commenting on the news KSA chairman, René Jansen, said: “Such a Memorandum of Understanding forms a good basis for sharing knowledge, collaboration and a smooth exchange of information. A clear signal is also given to providers of games of chance that cooperation is taking place at an international level. Online games of chance move across borders. That is why it is important for supervisors to work together.”

With the Netherlands’ regulated online gaming market is set to launch on 1 October 2021, the KSA has been busy forming partnerships with various European regulators, including France’s Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), the Belgium Gambling Commission (BGC), Sweden’s Gambling Inspectorate Spelinspektionen, and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

Operators urged to review FATF AML guidance

Staying with European gambling regulators, the UKGC has also urged all operators to review the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) updated AML guidance. 

The FATF is the financial crime and anti-terrorist financing unit set up by the G7 countries in 2001, with the goal of fostering international cooperation to combat money laundering. 

Its updated guidance makes it clear that companies in high risk sectors, including gambling, financial services, accountancy, real-estate, and virtual asset trading, must develop a true ‘supervisory culture’ across their businesses. 

Specifically, it emphasises that all corporate supervisors must be fully trained and able to address the entire spectrum of AML risks associated with their industry, while cooperating effectively with regulators and stakeholders. 

Belgium’s gaming commission Kansspelcommissie (BGC), and the Netherland’s gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), will also be working together to ensure market integrity, improve anti-money laundering (AML) efforts, and tackle gambing addiction. 

Regarding the collaboration BGC President, Magali Clavie, commented: “Online games of chance are offered across borders. As a result, there is a greater need for international cooperation between regulators on (online) games of chance. Information exchanges with foreign colleagues are always very instructive.”

While René Jansen, chairman of the board of directors of the KSA, added: “Such a memorandum of understanding forms a good basis for sharing knowledge, collaboration and a smooth exchange of information. At the same time, a clear signal is being sent to providers of games of chance that they are joining forces internationally.”

The KSA also has agreements in place with other regulators, including the Swedish Gambling Authority, Malta Gaming Authority, and France’s L’Autorité Nationale des Jeux.

On 1 April, the Dutch Remote Gaming Act is scheduled to come into force, allowing operators to submit applications for a license to offer online games of chance in the Netherlands.

“Wwft guidelines” have now been added to the KOA Act, further strengthening the legislation’s remit on the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. The new guidelines and reporting measures will apply to all online gambling operators granted a license by the KSA. 

The KSA has said it will be updating the KOA Act terms to provide licensees with the tools and reporting functions required to comply with the new Wwft requirements. 

In a statement the KSA said:

“The amended Wwft Guideline was submitted to a number of parties for consultation at an earlier stage.

“The responses were used to clarify parts of the Wwft Guideline, including user identification and verification, crediting and debiting of gaming accounts without undue delay and at the exact moment in which a business relationship is agreed.”

Last month the KSA delayed the launch of the country’s long-awaited regulated online gambling market yet again, due to delays associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Dutch Remote Gambling Act is now due to become law on 1 April 2021, with an expected market launch now pushed back to 1 October 2021.

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The Dutch Remote Gambling Act (Koa) will now become law on 1 April, instead of 1 March 2021, with the country’s online market now expected to launch on 1 October rather than 1 September 2021. 

According to Minister for Legal Protection, Sander Dekker, the delay is to allow for the “careful implementation” of the new laws. Though some operators will find it frustrating, on the plus side, it does give those who may still be interested an extra month to submit applications to the Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA).

The Remote Gambling Act was originally supposed to enter into law on 1 July 2020, with the market launching in January 2021, before being pushed back to July 2021, and then delayed yet again due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Staying in the Netherlands, in December 2020, the KSA announced it was ready to start live testing of CRUKS – its national self-exclusion scheme. 

AYO.NEWS says:

What’s one more month in the seemingly never-ending Dutch Remote Gambling Act saga? Of course, that’s assuming there aren’t more delays…

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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Managed by the KSA, CRUKS is a self-exclusion scheme, based on a centralised database, that is intended to prevent vulnerable gamblers from registering with, and playing at, both land-based and licensed online gambling operators.  

With the Netherlands’ licensing window slated to launch on 1 March 2021, the KSA has warned online gambling operators to make themselves fully aware of the requirements regarding referring players to the CRUKS system. 

Prior to the expected launch of the Netherlands’ regulated online gambling market on 1 September 2021, licensed operators must ensure they are fully integrated with CRUKS, and have tested its referral scheme. 

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