BlockDance has been issued a fine by the Dutch gambling regulator for offering games of chance without a license. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

BlockDance reopens illegally

BlockDance BV has been warned that it could face a fine of up to €840,000 ($910,800) if it does not immediately cease operations in the Netherlands.

The Dutch gambling regulator De Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) launched an investigation into the company and determined that it was illegally offering games of chance without a correct license across two different sites.

The sites, bc.game and bcgame.lu, denied access to Dutch gamblers following a previous inspection from the KSA, after which the regulator informed them that they would not face any penalties.

players were able to create accounts, make deposits, and gamble on games of chance

However, after further monitoring, the sites were once again accessible in the Netherlands, and players were able to create accounts, make deposits, and gamble on games of chance. As a result, BlockDance will now face the fine after all.

Weekly fines

The penalty will increase if the operator does not block all access from the Netherlands within four weeks of receiving the order.

The company will be subject to a fine of €280,000 ($303,858) for every week that it remains operational and accessible by players in the Netherlands, up to the maximum fine of €840,000.

With a penalty payment order, illegal offers are often quickly stopped.”

“The Netherlands has a regulated gambling market to better protect players. We, therefore, take tough action against illegal offers. With a penalty payment order, illegal offers are often quickly stopped. Providers can also be fined for the period in which the illegal offer was available,” read a statement from the KSA.

Netherlands cracking down

The issuance of a potential fine is the latest move in a series of crackdowns on illegal gambling sites in the Netherlands, with many cases dating back to before the introduction of a regulated market in 2021.

Last month, some operators faced court challenges to provide refunds to gamblers who lost money on the sites when they were offered before acquiring the relevant license in the Netherlands.

And at the start of this month, new restrictions limited gamblers to a maximum monthly deposit of €700 ($775), with proof of income required for any exception to be made.

With the stern restrictions likely to increase the appeal of unregulated gambling sites, the KSA will have its hands full and face increasing challenges in denying Dutch gamblers access to the sites.