Dutch Gambling Regulator Issues Warning to Unlicensed Bingo Operator

(AsiaGameHub) –   The KSA has notified operators of the strict regulations governing the provision of bingo without a valid licence in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands.- The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has issued a warning to a company for running unlicensed bingo events under the Bingo Loco brand. According to the KSA, Legs Eleven Limited has hosted unauthorised bingo gatherings at venues including Maassilo in Rotterdam and Complex in Maastricht.

The regulator has sent warnings both to the event organiser and the Maassilo venue. It stated that these events are classified as games of chance that do not fall under the legal exemptions for bingo, and are thus prohibited.

The KSA noted that it had communicated with all involved parties, leading to adjustments to the events. The bingo draws have been substituted with a music quiz, so they no longer violate gambling laws.

“Bingo games may only be organised without a licence if strict conditions are met,” the KSA emphasised. For instance, the organiser must be a Dutch association that has been in operation for at least three years and was not founded to host games of chance. All proceeds must also go to a pre-announced charitable cause.

“In addition, maximum prize limits apply: €400 per individual prize and €1,550 in total per event. The bingo event must also be reported to the local municipality ahead of its scheduled date.”

The KSA stated that the Bingo Loco events did not satisfy these requirements, as they were large-scale public events of a commercial nature that offered prizes to attendees.

“The KSA monitors compliance with gambling regulations and takes action against illegal gambling offerings. When gambling activities are organised without a licence, the KSA can carry out enforcement measures, for example by issuing a penalty payment order, levying an administrative fine, or confiscating related materials and prizes,” the regulator said.

Last week, the KSA released two new research reports and issued supplementary guidance on meeting the duty of care obligations for online gambling licensees in the Netherlands. These documents offer practical insights and provide clarification on personal interviews and the process of submitting notifications for registration in the Central Register for Exclusion from Gambling (Cruks).