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KSA fines Unibet €400K over compliance breaches
The Netherlands Gaming Authority (KSA) has fined Kindred Group’s Unibet €400,000 for failing to block self-excluded players from its platform.
The breaches took place during the 2022 FIFA World Cup when players listed in Cruks, the Dutch self-exclusion register, managed to sign up and place bets. Cruks is an important and vital platform that safeguards and blocks registered individuals from gambling, both with licensed and illegal operators in the Netherlands.
An investigation conducted in mid-2023 revealed that Unibet ignored its usual registration process to deal with a surge in user activity. Instead of requiring users to verify their BSN (citizen service number), players were granted platform access without any verification. From November 22, 2022, to January 2023, almost 3,020 users created their accounts on the platform.
Unibet acknowledged the breach and worked on fixing the problem once it realized self-excluded users had gained access. The KSA emphasized the seriousness of the breach, noting that Cruks is essential for preventing gambling addiction and protecting vulnerable players. The regulator warned that non-compliance with Cruks checks would result in fines.
This fine once again highlights the importance of player verification, especially during major events like the World Cup, when gambling activity is at its peak.
FAQs
Is gambling legal in the Netherlands?
Gambling in the Netherlands is legal but is strictly regulated.
What is the legal gambling age in the Netherlands?
The legal gambling age in the Netherlands is 18.
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