The Netherlands’ online gambling regulator, de Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa), has imposed a hefty fine of €1,275,000 on the Winning Poker Network (WPN) due to the continued availability of its online poker platform, TruePoker.eu, to Dutch players.
This penalty marks the latest chapter in a three-year-long conflict between WPN and the Ksa, which has been cracking down on unlicensed operators in the Dutch market. The dispute began following the implementation of the Netherlands’ stricter iGaming regulations in late 2021. While WPN and its main site, Americas Cardroom (now ACR Poker), complied with the Ksa’s 2022 demand to exit the Dutch market, the regulator later discovered that another WPN platform, TruePoker, was still accessible to Dutch users.
In March 2023, the Ksa issued a cease-and-desist order against WPN, and three months later, a fine of €75,000 was levied. Despite these actions, TruePoker continued to operate without blocking Dutch players or removing the Netherlands from its list of supported jurisdictions. Additionally, the platform allowed deposits and withdrawals via the Netherlands-based iDEAL payment system, further violating the country’s gambling laws.
The issue faded from public view until this week, when the Ksa announced the significantly larger fine. The enhanced penalty, decided on December 17, 2024, reflects the regulator’s determination to address persistent violations. Whether the initial €75,000 fine was ever collected remains unclear.
Ksa chairman Michel Groothuizen explained the regulator’s approach: “A penalty payment order is an effective way to quickly remove illegal offerings. However, these companies should not think they can escape lightly. By imposing substantial fines, we ensure that the consequences are felt where it hurts the most – their wallets.”
The Winning Poker Network retains the right to appeal the new fine, but the Ksa’s actions underscore its reputation as one of the most stringent regulators in the global online gambling market.
source: https://www.poker.org/latest-news/w...0-fine-by-netherlands-regulator-aNvIb2J36tWZ/
This penalty marks the latest chapter in a three-year-long conflict between WPN and the Ksa, which has been cracking down on unlicensed operators in the Dutch market. The dispute began following the implementation of the Netherlands’ stricter iGaming regulations in late 2021. While WPN and its main site, Americas Cardroom (now ACR Poker), complied with the Ksa’s 2022 demand to exit the Dutch market, the regulator later discovered that another WPN platform, TruePoker, was still accessible to Dutch users.
In March 2023, the Ksa issued a cease-and-desist order against WPN, and three months later, a fine of €75,000 was levied. Despite these actions, TruePoker continued to operate without blocking Dutch players or removing the Netherlands from its list of supported jurisdictions. Additionally, the platform allowed deposits and withdrawals via the Netherlands-based iDEAL payment system, further violating the country’s gambling laws.
The issue faded from public view until this week, when the Ksa announced the significantly larger fine. The enhanced penalty, decided on December 17, 2024, reflects the regulator’s determination to address persistent violations. Whether the initial €75,000 fine was ever collected remains unclear.
Ksa chairman Michel Groothuizen explained the regulator’s approach: “A penalty payment order is an effective way to quickly remove illegal offerings. However, these companies should not think they can escape lightly. By imposing substantial fines, we ensure that the consequences are felt where it hurts the most – their wallets.”
The Winning Poker Network retains the right to appeal the new fine, but the Ksa’s actions underscore its reputation as one of the most stringent regulators in the global online gambling market.
source: https://www.poker.org/latest-news/w...0-fine-by-netherlands-regulator-aNvIb2J36tWZ/
