Dutch authorities target illegal online apps
The Dutch gambling authority demanded Apple and Google to remove all gambling apps targeting the Netherlands from their app shops.
The Netherlands.- The Dutch gaming authority has called on Apple and Google to remove all gambling apps targeting the Netherlands from their app shops as they contravene Dutch gambling laws. A total of 49 ‘real money’ apps break the rules which ban both online gambling and foreign firms from targeting Dutch gamblers.
“Gambling is moving from computers to tablets. But as long as there is no regulation, it is illegal,” said Martijn Van de Koolwijk, the government agency spokesman.
MPs will debate new laws which will regulate online gambling and allow companies to apply for licences next week. The debate has already been delayed three times and needs at least 18 months to go through the parliamentary process, explained Van de Koolwijk.
Companies which break Dutch regulation on gambling can be fined up to €810,000 (US$ 925542) or 10 percent of their annual profit. The regulator said that in order to comply with Dutch rules, Apple, Microsoft, Google and other companies will have to stop Dutch consumers from being able to access the apps in their app shops.
