The Netherlands Continues to Build a Safe iGaming Market

The Dutch regulator continues to actively work towards creating a safe environment for local players. The authority announced that in October 2022, two unlicensed operators were forced to exit the country. This action was taken as a result of "corrective sanctions" imposed by the local gambling control organization, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA).
Operators LCS and MKC Limited opted to cease their activities in the Netherlands after the regulator threatened to fine them €165,000 (approximately $160,655) and €84,000, respectively.
These sanctions followed a review conducted by regulatory authorities, which found that Dutch citizens were able to create player accounts on websites operated by both LCS and MKC. Once established, these accounts could be freely used.
Under current iGaming laws in the Netherlands, unlicensed operators are required to ensure that their offerings are not accessible to local players. The KSA stated, "Gaming providers without a license must ensure that their offerings are not available in the country."
Consequently, any operator that disregards this directive will face penalties in the form of fines. However, KSA officials noted that LCS and MKC did not "overstep" by refusing to comply with legal requirements. Instead of resisting, both operators chose to leave the region and no longer provide iGaming services to local players. Moving forward, the KSA plans to monitor both companies to prevent their return without a change in legal status.
The announcement of these operators' exit from the Netherlands came shortly after the KSA published its annual review of the iGaming market in the country. KSA Chairman René Jansen expressed optimism that the local online market is becoming safer for players, which he described as the "desired end goal." According to Jansen, this will be achieved through the crackdown on illegal operators.
In related news, provider Betsoft Gaming has released a new slot game titled "Rags to Witches."