Dutch crackdown ahead of World Cup
The Netherlands has announced a crackdown on online gambling ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which begins in Russia on Thursday.
The Kansspelautoriteit regulator said it will focus in particular on underage gambling and identifying unlicensed operators offering betting to Dutch citizens.
Only the Toto, part of the Dutch Lottery, can offer bets on the results of sports competitions, with all other operators obliged to ensure that Netherlands residents cannot participate.
A report issued by Kansspelautoriteit in 2016 showed that the Netherlands’ legal market for sports betting grew by 34% compared to the previous year.
It said the crackdown has been ordered ahead of the World Cup because there is likely to be a surge in betting, even though the Dutch national team has not qualified.
Kansspelautoriteit has also called for anyone with knowledge of minors betting to be reported via a special notification form on its website.
In a statement, Kansspelautoriteit said: “The gaming authority acts against illegal gambling providers because there is no control on the fairness of the game, the detection of gambling addiction and the participation of vulnerable groups, such as minors.
“Young people form a vulnerable group; gambling providers must make every effort to prevent minors from participating. The gaming authority would like to hear from parents, teachers, friends or other people involved whether they take part in sports betting by minors.”
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