Dutch Regulator Fines LeoVegas €500,000 for Failing Player Protection Standards

LeoVegas Penalized for Inadequate Player Protection in the Netherlands

The Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has imposed a fine of €500,000 (approximately $590,000) on LeoVegas due to ongoing failures in safeguarding its players. The regulator found that the company did not fulfill its responsibility to monitor and protect gamblers effectively within the Dutch market.

Regulatory Findings Highlight Lack of Intervention During Risky Gambling Activity

Between October 2023 and May 2024, LeoVegas was found to have breached Dutch regulatory requirements aimed at preventing problem gambling. Licensed operators were required to actively monitor player behaviors and intervene when signs of excessive or risky gambling were detected. However, KSA determined that LeoVegas fell short in this duty, leaving some customers vulnerable to gambling-related harms.

During the investigation, the regulator reviewed numerous player records flagged for risky behavior. These assessments revealed significant shortcomings in how LeoVegas managed those at risk, with instances where players were able to deposit and lose substantial sums without receiving timely or meaningful engagement from the operator.

Specific examples included a player who immediately funded their account with tens of thousands of euros upon registration and increased their betting amounts substantially, yet no effective limits or direct communication were implemented quickly. In another case, a player exhibiting clear signs of gambling addiction only received a basic pop-up notification deemed insufficient by the regulator, considering the severity of the situation.

LeoVegas Challenges the Fine Amid Calls for Enhanced Player Safety Measures

Michel Groothuizen, chairman of the KSA board, underscored that safeguarding players is a core objective of Dutch gambling laws. He stressed that rapid, large financial losses must prompt urgent action from operators. The regulator has intensified its supervision and intends to enforce strict penalties against companies that neglect their duty of care.

In response, LeoVegas has disagreed with the KSA’s conclusions and has formally contested the penalty. The company maintains that responsible gambling remains a top priority and asserts ongoing collaboration with Dutch authorities. Additionally, LeoVegas highlights continuous improvements to its responsible gaming practices since the investigation began.

This sanction adds LeoVegas to a list of licensed operators recently penalized for failing to intervene when players demonstrate problematic gambling patterns. Other prominent companies have faced multi-million-euro fines, signaling a firm stance by Dutch regulators on ensuring robust player protection standards across the industry.