KSA increases fines for illegal gambling columns
Increased fines are being imposed by the Dutch Gambling Regulator on so-called “gambling columns,” where games are “almost always illegal.”
With the assistance of staff, bets are placed using a device like a laptop or smartphone in cafes and coffee shops. Payouts and deposits managed by the establishment’s owner.
The fine for each device discovered has been raised by Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), from a range of between €7,500 and €20,000 specified in 2014 rules to between €25,000 and €100,000.
According to an information page on gambling columns on the KSA website, the regulator “cannot check the flow of money or taxes” in the operation, which increases the risk of crime and money laundering.
The page adds:
“There is no control over the fairness of the game, the age of the players and nothing is done against gambling addiction.”
The KSA added in a statement that it does not matter if the devicenis used entirely or in part as a gambling column and that the additional fine is per device in light of the increased enforcement action against the practice.
The regulator stated:
“The fine amounts can be adjusted up or down based on circumstances found on location. For example, an earlier warning, a previously imposed fine or participation by minors is reason to increase the fine amount.”
According to the report, the number of different types of gambling columns is growing, and laptops and phones are taking up an increasing share of the devices used.
The regulator clarified that slot machines that require an operating or presence authorization are not covered by the “gambling column” remit.