The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa), has fined Sarah Eternal S.R.L. €900,000 for illegally offering online gambling to Dutch players via its Casino Sky website.
Lack of protection measures for Dutch players
The Ksa investigated and found that the Casino Sky website had no measures in place to block access to Dutch players. Inspectors were able to create accounts, make deposits and participate in gambling, even when clearly stating their residence in the Netherlands.
This negligence goes against Dutch regulations that require unlicensed operators to put in place barriers, such as IP blocks, to prevent Dutch players from accessing their platforms.
Repeated offence and increased fine
This is not the first time that Sarah Eternal S.R.L. has been fined by the Ksa. In March 2024, the company had already received a penalty payment injunction of €280,000 for similar offences. The persistence of these violations led the Ksa to increase the fine beyond the basic amount of €600,000, reaching €900,000.
Statements from the authorities
Michel Groothuizen, representative of the Ksa, said:
“The Netherlands has set up a legal market to ensure that those who want to gamble can do so safely. With these types of illegal operators, we often see a complete lack of consideration for preventing risky gambling behavior. For example, there was no age verification, allowing minors to gamble, and it was possible to bet with cryptocurrencies. We are therefore taking firm action against these parties.”
Consequences for illegal operators
Operators without a license in the Netherlands must take all necessary measures to prevent Dutch players from accessing their services. Failure to comply with these obligations exposes these companies to severe sanctions, as demonstrated by the case of Sarah Eternal S.R.L.
The Ksa continues to actively monitor the market and does not hesitate to sanction violations to protect consumers and ensure a safe and fair gaming environment.