Illegal bingos under fire from the Kansspelautoriteit
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8 Jan 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes The organizer of a series of illegal bingos has been heavily sanctioned by the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa), the Dutch gambling regulatory authority. Following an in-depth investigation, the organizer, who had already been warned in 2022, faces dissuasive financial penalties. This case highlights the increased vigilance of the authorities against illegal games of chance.
According to the Ksa, each illegal bingo organized will be sanctioned with a fine of €13,125, capped at €131,250. As for advertising related to these activities, it will result in a penalty of €6,562.50 per advert, with a maximum of €65,625. These measures aim to prevent the organiser from continuing their illegal activities and profiting from them.
“We want to put a stop to this type of practice. Illegal bingos harm the transparency and fairness of the gambling sector,” explains a KSA spokesperson.
Offences noted
The investigation reveals that the organiser promoted his bingos on Facebook, an effective way to reach a wide audience. Tickets were sold for €25, while bingo booklets were available for €62.50. The prizes offered, well above the legal ceilings (€400 per prize and €1,550 in total), attracted many participants.
Contrary to the rules in force, these bingos were organised for profit.
“The revenues can reach tens of thousands of euros, which explains our strict policy,” says the Ksa.
Despite a formal warning in 2022, the organizer has continued its activities, as he confirmed in a video posted on social media.
Increased vigilance
Faced with the proliferation of illegal bingo on social media, the authorities are stepping up their efforts to detect and punish these offenses. Participants themselves risk being involved in fraudulent practices without knowing it.
“It is essential to raise public awareness of the risks of illegal gambling. Beyond the sanctions, these activities can lead to financial and legal problems,” says an expert in the sector.
Strict rules
In the Netherlands, small games of chance such as bingo are subject to strict conditions. They can only be organized by non-profit associations that have existed for at least three years and do not have gambling as their main objective. Prizes must be kept modest, and any form of advertising for these events is prohibited.
The regulations are clear: organizing bingos for commercial purposes or without a license is a serious offense, punishable by heavy penalties.
The rules in Belgium
In Belgium, the rules for organizing bingos are also very strict. Here are the main conditions:
- Mandatory license: Bingos must be declared to the Gaming Commission, unless they are organized by a non-profit association for a charitable cause.
- Prize cap: As in the Netherlands, the amounts of winnings are limited to avoid any abuse.
- No advertising: Promoting bingos or any other game of chance without a license is strictly prohibited.
- Financial transparency: Organizers must keep clear records of money coming in and going out to ensure that funds are used wisely.