The Netherlands Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has announced that it has fined Goldwin Limited €6,794,000 for operating in the Dutch market without a license.
According to the KSA announcement, an investigation revealed that customers in the Netherlands were able to open accounts and gamble online via the westcasino.com website. As the company does not hold the required license, this is in breach of the Netherlands Gambling Act.
In January 2023, the KSA warned Goldwin about its illegal activity. When the operator failed to respond to the warning, the KSA issued an order subject to penalty. As a result, the company received a periodic penalty of €239,000, up to a maximum of €717,000. A follow-up investigation revealed that the the company no longer allowed users from the Netherlands. However, the order subject to periodic penalty payments remained in force.
Despite the fact that the company withdrew its services, the KSA can still impose a fine based on the period before the services were pulled from the market. The KSA has decided to take up that option and the fine has now been imposed based on a percentage of the estimated turnover for GoldWin Limited from Dutch players.
René Jansen, chairperson of the KSA said:
‘We can often quickly put a stop to illegal supply with an order subject to a penalty. This does not mean that previously committed illegal activities disappear from view: they can still be punished.’
Today’s fine is the largest fine issued by the KSA so far in 2023. The previous record was the €4.4 million fine imposed on Gammix in March.
The latest order from the KSA comes on the same day the regulator fined MKC €900,000 for unlicensed gambling activity.
This brings the total fines for 2023 to more than €365,447,591 ($388,175,608) while the KSA’s fines make up almost €20.4 million ($21.7 million) of that figure.
According to research by USA-Casino.com, gambling industry fines in 2022 came to €251,712,034 ($269,532,490) – a significant increase of 443.9% compared to 2021’s total of €44,753,969 ($48,642,992).
Ciaran McEneaney Gambling industry analyst with over a decade of experience working with some of the biggest names in the sports-betting, gambling, poker & casino industry.
John Sommers is a distinguished figure in the world of gambling expertise, known for his deep knowledge and insightful analysis of the gaming industry. As a seasoned author, he has contributed extensively to the reputable gambling news site, TwinCasinos, focusing on providing valuable insights to English-speaking gamblers worldwide.
With a career spanning over a decade, John has honed his expertise in various aspects of gambling, from strategic gameplay to industry trends and regulatory developments. His articles are revered for their blend of comprehensive research, astute observations, and a knack for demystifying complex concepts for both novice and seasoned players.
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Author: John Sommers
John Sommers is a distinguished figure in the world of gambling expertise, known for his deep knowledge and insightful analysis of the gaming industry. As a seasoned author, he has contributed extensively to the reputable gambling news site, TwinCasinos, focusing on providing valuable insights to English-speaking gamblers worldwide. With a career spanning over a decade, John has honed his expertise in various aspects of gambling, from strategic gameplay to industry trends and regulatory developments. His articles are revered for their blend of comprehensive research, astute observations, and a knack for demystifying complex concepts for both novice and seasoned players. Beyond his writing prowess, John has established himself as a trusted authority, often sought after for his expert commentary on the ever-evolving landscape of the casino and betting industry. His passion for responsible gambling and commitment to ensuring players make informed choices are evident in his work, making him a beacon of integrity in an industry that demands such values. Whether you’re a casual gambler or a dedicated enthusiast, John Sommers’ contributions to TwinCasinos promise to be an invaluable resource for navigating the dynamic world of gambling.
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