meta_id 3247037

On an unspecified date, the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit) imposed a €3,082,000 fine on Chestoption Sociedad de Responsibilidad Limitada for offering gambling services without the required licence. The Costa Rica-based operator offered gambling through multiple websites, including Vave.com, in English and advertised in Dutch, actively targeting Dutch players. The company had previously received a cease-and-desist order with penalty payments for the same conduct. The fine reflects multiple aggravating circumstances identified by the authority. The websites lacked age verification mechanisms, featured autoplay and turboplay functionality without appropriate safeguards, and accepted cryptocurrency payments. Critically, Chestoption implemented no measures to prevent participation from the Netherlands, despite the authority's prior enforcement action. The Netherlands Gambling Authority enforces compliance through multiple mechanisms beyond administrative fines. The authority collaborates intensively with third parties including payment service providers, hosting companies, banks, and major technology firms to combat illegal gambling offerings. This multi-stakeholder approach aims to disrupt the operational infrastructure supporting unlicensed operators. The fine represents the authority's continued commitment to protecting Dutch consumers and maintaining market integrity by targeting operators offering gambling services without proper licensing and consumer protections. The sanction decision is available for review on the authority's official records. REFERENCES: Kansspelautoriteit (2024) Boete van 3 miljoen voor Chestoption voor illegaal kansspelaanbod [Fine of 3 million for Chestoption for illegal gambling offering]. Available at: https://kansspelautoriteit.nl/