The Dutch gambling regulator has issued a fine of almost €1.3m ($1.3m) against the owner of Americas Cardroom poker site for targeting residents without a license. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has issued a €1.3m ($1.3m) financial penalty to the owner of Americas Cardroom for targeting Dutch residents without a license.

People could join the company’s poker sites to play in tournaments and cash games despite several warnings from the KSA to the site owner, the Winning Poker Network. It initially complied with blocking Dutch players from Americas Cardroom, although they could still access other platforms like True Poker.

decided on the €1.3m ($1.3m) fine rather than the typical €600,000 ($619,965)

The KSA decided on the €1.3m ($1.3m) fine rather than the typical €600,000 ($619,965) because of the repeat offense, the levying of an account inactivity fee on customers, and the flaunting of its foreign license.

Talking about the enforcement action, KSA Executive Board Chairperson Michel Groothuizen said that hitting companies in their pockets is a quick way to limit their operations.