The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has taken action against LCS Limited and Blue High House for offering online gambling without the necessary licenses. Despite warnings from KSA, both operators continued to operate illegally in the country, prompting fines to be imposed.
LCS is facing a penalty of €165,000, while Blue High House has been fined €129,000. KSA has made it clear that further action could be taken if the operators do not comply with the regulations. KSA chairman René Jansen emphasized that penalties are more than just warnings and that illegal providers will face consequences.
The LCS case dates back to August 2022 when the operator was first penalized for offering gambling without a license. Despite legal action taken by LCS to continue operating, KSA imposed a significant fine of €2.1 million for breaching national laws. LCS criticized the decision, stating that it took immediate action to rectify the situation.
In a more recent development, KSA found that LCS was still offering illegal games via Yugibet.com, resulting in an additional penalty of €165,000. Blue High House also received a cease-and-desist order for offering online gambling without a license, with fines of up to €129,000.
Following the news, Blenheim, the legal firm representing LCS, responded by stating that LCS has not re-entered the Dutch market and called the penalties unjustified. LCS argued that it has taken technical measures to prevent Dutch players from accessing their services and has complied with previous orders.
LCS disputed the recovery of penalty payments and emphasized its commitment to compliance and fairness. The operator remains dedicated to upholding the law and ensuring that its operations meet regulatory standards.
In conclusion, the actions taken by KSA against LCS and Blue High House highlight the importance of adhering to gambling regulations in the Netherlands. Both operators are facing significant fines for operating without the necessary licenses, underscoring the consequences of illegal gambling activities.