The Dutch gambling regulator said it has achieved significant progress in its fight against illegal operators in the country since the launch of its online gaming market in October 2021. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) said that over the past eight months, it identified around 200 suspicious websites, many of which have since terminated their operations.

KSA Gets Tough on Illegal Providers

KSA Chairman Rene Jansen said that while the black market still exists, the measures adopted by the agency in shutting down unauthorized sites have been effective so far. 

Jansen said showing a tough stance against illegal operators was vital in creating a safe environment for players, but it is equally important that the remaining entities promoting illegal online gambling are also being dealt with. The KSA Chair was referring to certain “affiliate sites” that direct users to illegal games. 

Since October last year, the agency has fined multiple affiliates for promoting unlicensed games on their websites. In December alone, the KSA issued a cease and desist order to 13 affiliate sites. Apart from affiliate sites, the authority has also been investigating payment providers suspected of facilitating online gambling. 

Operators Must Do Their Part

The KSA acknowledged that positive results can only be achieved with cooperation from operators and that’s why the agency continues to encourage license holders to fully comply with their safer gambling obligations.