Netherlands announces online gambling crackdown

The Dutch gambling authority introduced a crackdown on online gambling ahead of FIFA’s tournament, which starts this week.

Netherlands.- The gambling authority from the Netherlands, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has announced a crackdown on online gambling, days before the start of FIFA World Cup, which starts in Russia on Thursday.

The Dutch regulator revealed that it will focus on underage gambling and identifying operators without a licence that offer betting to local citizens. The only operator that is legally authorised to offer bets on the results of sports competitions is Toto, which is part of the Dutch lottery. All other operators are forced to decline Netherlands residents’ bets.

KSA said that the crackdown will begin ahead of the World Cup as there will likely be an increase in the number of people betting, even if the national team hasn’t qualified for the tournament. It also urged people to report gambling activity involving minors through a special notification form on its website.

“The gaming authority acts against illegal gambling providers because there is no control on the fairness of the game, the detection of gambling addiction and the participation of vulnerable groups, such as minors,” reads a statement from KSA.

And it continues: “Young people form a vulnerable group; gambling providers must make every effort to prevent minors from participating. The gaming authority would like to hear from parents, teachers, friends or other people involved whether they take part in sports betting by minors.”