Dutch gambling regulator wraps TonBet over prohibited betting options
The KSA found that the operator offered two betting options that are prohibited under Dutch law.
The Netherlands.- The Dutch gambling regulator kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has issued a warning to TonyBet for offering prohibited betting options. The operator offered bets on the winner of the Ballon d’Or and on the winner of the golden ball for the FIFA World Club Team Championship. Such markets are not allowed according to Dutch law.
The KSA noted that under Dutch law, operators can offer sports betting only on verifiable performance in official sports competitions, organised by recognised national or international sports organisations. The Ballon d’Or and the Club World Cup Golden Ball are prizes awarded based on a vote or jury verdict, and as such do not meet the conditions for permitted sports betting.
The KSA said that data from TonyBet showed no customers had placed wagers on either offering. The operator said it would be more careful over choosing its offerings in the future.
The KSA stressed that gambling providers are responsible for their own betting options even if they go through a third party. If an incident occurs and there has been an unauthorised offer, providers must report this to the regulator.
In April, the KSA issued a record fine of €734,000 against an unnamed Dutch gambling licensee because the company failed to adequately protect young adults against excessive gambling and addiction. Since then, it has issued several warnings, including against Unibet operator Optdeck for untargeted advertising and autoplay.
KSA impact report on Dutch gambling tax hike
Meanwhile, the KSA has confirmed that in its view the rise in Dutch gambling tax has backfired. Its impact assessment into the effect of the tax rise supports its earlier warning that the move could actually lead to a drop in tax revenue.
The Dutch gambling tax rate was hiked from 30.5 per cent to 34.2 per cent from January 1, and it’s due to rise further to 37.8 per cent in 2026. But tax revenue in the first half of the year actually declined, according to the regulator’s figures.
While the aim was to increase state revenue to the tune of €202m by 2028, the report found that so far it has had the opposite effect. Due to various developments, gross gaming revenue (GGR) decreased in both the online and the land-based market in the first half of the year. As a result, tax revenues have decreased despite the increase in the tax rate.
