Dutch gambling regulator tightens enforcement of payout violations

A recent KSA investigation found that nine online gaming operators were making it difficult for customers to pay out, while four more operators are under suspicion of similar violations. Under the Dutch Gambling Act, withdrawal requests must be processed immediately and without any conditions.

The violations were identified after the regulator reminded all operators to comply with the regulations in March 2024. At that time, the KSA gave examples of conditions that operators are not allowed to impose, such as minimum payout amounts or the need to meet wagering requirements before withdrawals.

In the weeks since then, the KSA has taken action against 13 operators who have been found or suspected of violating their obligations.

All 13 operators must provide written confirmation that they do not impose minimum withdrawal amounts or other requirements.

The KSA issued the following statement: “Operators cannot impose structural conditions that prevent instant payouts. Players’ funds must be returned without unnecessary delays. However, the KSA continues to receive signals that some online gaming operators impose conditions on player payouts.”

According to the law, all licensed operators are required to ensure that payments are processed securely and that funds are returned to players. The law also requires that the operator debits the player’s gaming account when a player requests a withdrawal.

In July, KSA Chairman Michel Grootehuysen thanked licensed operators for generally complying with the new requirements, especially during the summer UEFA Euro 2024 championship. According to him, most operators followed the established rules. Grootehuysen noted: “We called on gambling operators to demonstrate their best side, and yes, they did. However, this required strict compliance with laws and regulations. Almost no legal operator crossed the line.”