More players will try to claim their losses back from Dutch operators who ran unlicensed gambling sites before October 2021. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

A lawsuit has been filed in the Netherlands seeking to reimburse players who incurred gambling losses before the country’s market was regulated in October 2021.

Finch, a law firm, has formed a group called Gokverliesterug, which translates to “gambling loss refunds.” The suit will be launched against Unibet, PokerStars, bWin, and Bet365.

The case is not the first of its kind. Similar lawsuits have been filed in Germany and Austria, and law firms have been scouring for potential clients who incurred losses during the period when sites were alleged to be operating without licenses.

In April, a case heard in Overjissel district court found in favor of two players and ordered PokerStars and bWin to pay back a combined €450,000 ($503,000) in losses.

They have to account for that period, even though they now have a licence.”

Koen Rutten, a lawyer at Finch, said: “Many foreign online casinos ignored the Dutch rules for a long time, assuming enforcement would not be serious. They have to account for that period, even though they now have a licence. It is not without reason that online casinos are being subjected to stricter regulations.”

“Illegal gambling providers are aware of this. They pull out all the stops to keep people playing as long as possible with promotions and bonuses. With our action we want to ensure the perpetrators are presented with the bill for these kinds of illegal practices.”