Key Highlights
- Dutch gaming regulators imposed a €24,846,000 penalty on Novatech and €1,795,000 on Fortaprime SRL for operating without proper licensing
- The operators permitted Dutch players to access their platforms without age checks or geographic restrictions while accepting cryptocurrency deposits
- Current legislation restricts penalties to just 10% of worldwide revenue, significantly reducing potential fine amounts
- KSA leadership indicated the sanctions could have surpassed €100 million if not for statutory limitations
- Enforcement efforts now extend to service providers, hosting companies, and online personalities who facilitated these illegal operations
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), Netherlands’ gaming regulator, has issued unprecedented financial penalties against two casino operators functioning without proper authorization. Novatech, responsible for running Qbet.com and 55Bet.com, faces a €24,846,000 sanction. Meanwhile, Fortaprime SRL, which controlled amonbet.com and supraplay.com, must pay €1,795,000.
Both entities deliberately marketed their services to Dutch consumers despite lacking the required permits. The regulatory body had previously sanctioned these same operators, yet their unauthorized activities persisted.
Regulatory staff successfully registered accounts, made financial deposits, and play games across all identified platforms. Neither organization implemented fundamental geographic blocking technology to prevent Netherlands-based users from reaching their services.
Authorities documented numerous regulatory breaches by both operators. Age verification measures were completely absent. The platforms accepted cryptocurrency transactions, which officials identified as facilitating potential money laundering activities.
Legitimate license holders must invest substantially in compliance infrastructure and anti-money laundering protocols. According to the KSA, unauthorized platforms circumvent these expenses entirely, creating an uneven competitive landscape against lawful enterprises.
Statutory Limits Constrain Enforcement Effectiveness
Penalties were determined using projected company revenues. However, Netherlands legislation caps sanctions at 10% of global turnover, which the KSA indicated substantially constrained their enforcement capacity.
KSA chairman Michel Groothuizen revealed that Novatech generated hundreds of millions from Dutch players. He noted that without the statutory restriction, the penalty could have exceeded €100 million.
Groothuizen publicly criticized the existing cap as insufficient to discourage major international operators. He urged legislators to reconsider the penalty framework.
While the KSA emphasized that these record-setting fines demonstrate regulatory commitment, officials acknowledged that current laws require modernization to address the magnitude of illicit revenue being generated.
Regulators Expand Enforcement to Supporting Parties
The KSA has broadened its regulatory strategy. The authority now collaborates with financial processors, internet hosting services, banking institutions, and technology companies to eliminate infrastructure supporting unauthorized platforms.
Fortaprime enlisted Dutch social media personalities to market its operations. The KSA announced it will pursue direct action against these influencers.
Officials warned that online content creators promoting unlicensed gambling platforms will face regulatory consequences. This represents a strategic evolution toward holding marketing partners and affiliate networks accountable alongside platform operators.
According to the KSA, this comprehensive enforcement methodology forms part of an extended campaign to reduce illegal gambling activity throughout the Netherlands.
Groothuizen confirmed that authorities will maintain pressure on both the platform operators themselves and any parties facilitating their access to Dutch consumers.
