Freebitco.in Operator Faces Dutch Fines Over Illegal Gambling

The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has imposed weekly fines on Freebitco.in’s operator, FBC BV, for providing unlicensed gambling services in the Netherlands.

Details of the Violation:
On December 17, KSA announced that FBC BV had been offering online gambling without the necessary local license, a violation of Dutch gambling laws. Freebitco.in, which claims over 54 million registered users worldwide, provides games such as jackpots and lotteries using Bitcoin as a betting currency.

Investigation Timeline:
KSA initiated an investigation into Freebitco.in in January 2023, conducting follow-up inspections in April, June, and November. These revealed that Dutch users could still create accounts, deposit funds, and participate in gambling activities. Despite receiving a warning from KSA in July, the platform remained active in the region.

FBC BV stated in August 2023 that it had taken measures to block access for Dutch users but cited technical issues as a barrier. The company also argued that its free-play versions of games did not breach local laws. However, a November inspection by KSA showed that the site was still accessible to players in the Netherlands, prompting further action.

Fines and Compliance Deadline:
On November 15, KSA issued a decision to fine FBC BV €280,000 weekly if the company did not cease operations in the Netherlands. A compliance grace period ended on December 13. Should violations continue, the total fine could escalate to €840,000.

“KSA takes a firm stance against illegal gambling offerings to protect players. The Netherlands has a regulated market prioritising safety,” stated the regulator.

This enforcement highlights the strict approach of Dutch authorities toward unregulated gambling platforms, ensuring compliance to protect players and uphold market integrity.

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