Netherlands: The Gaming Authority imposes fine of over $2 million on LCS Limited for illegally offering online gambling

De Kansspelautoriteit (The Gaming Authority) (Ksa) has imposed a fine of 2.074 million euros ($2.17) on LCS Limited for offering online games of chance to players in the Netherlands on the website www.sonsofslots.com without a license. This is prohibited under the Gambling Act (Wok).

In August 2022, LCS Limited was imposed a penalty payment of 165,000 euros with the call to immediately cease and desist from the illegal offer.

René Jansen, chairman of Ksa, in a statement, said: "An order subject to penalty is an often very effective method to immediately stop illegal supply. However, illegal providers who subsequently go black should not think that they have ‘bought off’ their illegal activities: the previously committed violations can also be punished. In addition, we continue to carry out re-checks to verify whether the supply has actually been and will continue to be discontinued.”

The Authority notes that the amount of the fine imposed has been determined on the basis of the regulator’s current fine policy, which takes into account, among other things, the turnover achieved in the Netherlands. Offering online games of chance is only allowed with a license from the Ksa. There are strict rules and regulations that are aimed at ensuring a safe legal offer, where players are assured of a fair game and are protected against gambling addiction.