The Netherlands Gaming Authority (KSA) has uncovered violations of gambling regulations involving unauthorised bets on sports competitions.
The investigation revealed that certain licensed operators offered betting options on restricted matches and events, raising concerns over the potential for match-fixing and compromising the integrity of sports.
The investigation, conducted during the 2023-2024 football season, uncovered several violations of Dutch gambling regulations. One major infraction involved unauthorised betting on youth matches, with betting options made available for seven games featuring participants under the age of 21.
Such practices are strictly prohibited in the Netherlands due to the heightened vulnerability of young athletes to manipulation, raising significant concerns about fairness and integrity.
Another violation involved prohibited event-based betting, where two operators allowed wagers on specific in-game events, such as yellow and red cards and corner kicks. These types of bets are particularly susceptible to manipulation and are explicitly banned under Dutch law to prevent match-fixing and protect the integrity of sports competitions.
The operators involved in these violations have been ordered to immediately cease offering these prohibited bets. Furthermore, all licensed operators have been warned to remain vigilant and report any unauthorized betting options to the KSA.
The KSA, which is ramping up consumer protections, has emphasised that any operator found to be non-compliant during follow-up checks will face strict penalties. Meanwhile, stakeholders are encouraged to continue reporting illegal activities, ensuring that the Netherlands remains a leader in fostering a safe and fair gambling environment.
Why these restrictions exist
Dutch gambling legislation imposes strict regulations on sports betting to prevent match-fixing and maintain the integrity of sports competitions. Among these measures is a ban on betting for matches involving participants under the age of 21.
Younger athletes are considered more susceptible to coercion or manipulation, making such wagers a significant risk to fair play.
Another critical restriction prohibits betting on easily manipulated events, such as yellow cards, red cards, and corner kicks. These specific in-game occurrences are particularly vulnerable to match-fixing, and their exclusion from betting markets helps safeguard the credibility of sports competitions.
By enforcing these regulations, the KSA aims to ensure that sports betting activities do not compromise the fairness and integrity of sporting events.
Dutch operators take measures against illegal gambling
In an effort to combat illegal gambling, the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) and Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders (VNLOK) have introduced the Meld Vals Spel platform. Accessible at Meldvalsspel.nl, this tool enables stakeholders to report unsafe or illegal gambling practices, fostering a safer and more regulated gambling environment.
The platform allows users to highlight activities occurring on illegal gambling websites or apps, such as inadequate player protection measures, excessive bonus offers, and failures to block underage players.
Reports submitted through the system are directed to the KSA, policymakers, and social media platforms.
A key focus of Meld Vals Spel is to hold illegal operators accountable while raising public awareness about the risks associated with unauthorised gambling activities. By providing a centralised system for reporting, the initiative seeks to strengthen oversight and deter illicit operations within the gambling sector.
The platform is available to a wide range of participants, including NOGA and VNLOK members, licensed operators, partner organiswations, and other professional stakeholders.