KSA Warns Holland Casino Online and Vbet Over Unauthorized Own Goal Betting

Warning Issued by Dutch Gaming Authority

The Dutch Gaming Authority, known as Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has recently issued a warning to two betting operators, Holland Casino Online and Vbet. This warning was related to their offering of betting options on own goals, a type of wager considered to have a high risk of match-fixing and prohibited under Dutch gambling regulations.

Removal of Unauthorized Own Goal Bets

Following an investigation, the KSA identified Holland Casino Online and Vbet as the licensed online gambling providers offering bets on own goals, which is not allowed in the Netherlands. An own goal occurs when a player accidentally scores for the opposing team, and wagering on such events is banned due to the potential for manipulation.

Upon receiving the warning, both operators promptly removed the own goal betting options from their platforms. Furthermore, they have implemented additional internal controls to prevent similar unauthorized bets from appearing again. According to the KSA, these actions have satisfactorily resolved the issue for the time being.

The KSA also reminded all operators about its integrity guidelines, which outline permissible types of bets. Own goals are classified as a negative event within these guidelines because they are particularly vulnerable to manipulation by corrupt parties.

Record Fines Imposed on Operators for Licensing Violations

In a related enforcement effort last month, the KSA imposed substantial fines on two other operators, Fortaprime and Novatech, for offering gambling services without the necessary licenses. Fortaprime was fined $2 million, while Novatech faced a record $28.9 million penalty.

The KSA chair indicated that Novatech’s fine, despite being the largest ever issued, should have been even greater given the gravity of their offenses. However, the fine amount was constrained by the current legal framework in the Netherlands.