The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has imposed a €3.08 million ($3.57 million) fine on Costa Rica-based gambling operator Chestoption Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada for illegally offering gambling services to players in the Netherlands through Vave.com.
The enforcement action comes as Dutch authorities continue to crack down on unlicensed operators targeting local consumers. The regulator reiterated that only companies holding a Dutch gambling licence are permitted to provide gambling products in the country.
KSA found evidence of Dutch market targeting
According to the KSA, an investigation found that Vave.com was accessible to players in the Netherlands despite its operator lacking the necessary licence.
The regulator said the website was available in the Dutch language, indicating that the operator was actively targeting Dutch consumers. Investigators also found that the platform had not implemented measures to block access from users in the Netherlands.
Dutch gambling laws require operators to obtain a licence before offering online gambling products to residents. Companies that fail to comply can face significant financial penalties and enforcement measures.
Additional violations identified
The KSA reported several breaches that increased the severity of the case.
Among them was the absence of adequate age verification procedures, raising concerns that minors could gain access to gambling services. The regulator also found that the platform offered autoplay functionality, a feature prohibited under Dutch gambling regulations.
In addition, Vave.com accepted cryptocurrency payments for gambling activities. The KSA noted that such payment methods are not permitted under the Dutch regulatory framework.
The combination of these factors contributed to the €3.08 million penalty imposed on the operator.
Repeat offender faces further scrutiny
The regulator noted that this is not the first time Vave.com has faced enforcement action in the Netherlands.
Dutch authorities have repeatedly warned offshore gambling operators that they must comply with local licensing requirements if they wish to serve customers in the country. The latest fine reflects the regulator’s continued efforts to prevent unlicensed gambling websites from accessing the Dutch market.
Betnation receives regulatory warning
In a separate development, the KSA recently reprimanded Smart Gaming, the parent company of Betnation, over failures related to self-excluded players.
The regulator found that the operator had not carried out sufficient checks to verify whether certain customers had registered with the national self-exclusion system. As a result, some self-excluded individuals were able to continue gambling.
While the KSA described the matter as a serious compliance issue, it noted that Smart Gaming voluntarily reported the problem and took immediate corrective action. The regulator therefore opted to issue a warning rather than impose a financial penalty.
Further gambling reforms under consideration
The Dutch government is also considering a new package of gambling reforms aimed at strengthening consumer protection.
Proposals announced by Justice and Security State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen include a ban on online gambling advertising, tighter affordability controls, changes to self-exclusion procedures and additional powers for regulators to block unlicensed operators.
The proposals form part of broader efforts to tighten oversight of the online gambling sector and reduce gambling-related risks.
The latest enforcement actions against Vave.com and Betnation highlight the KSA’s ongoing focus on compliance, player protection and the prevention of illegal gambling activity in the Netherlands.
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