Dutch regulator fines Chestoption $3.5 million for unlicensed gambling in Netherlands

The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has fined Costa Rica-based Chestoption Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada €3.1 million (US$3.59 million) for illegally offering online gambling to Dutch players without a licence.

The regulator found that Dutch players were able to register, deposit funds, and participate in online casino games through three websites operated by the company: Vave.com, Vave-luck.com, and 67evav55.com.

According to the KSA, the platforms were at least partially targeted at the Dutch market. Evidence cited included Dutch-language affiliate marketing, betting markets covering the Eredivisie football league, and insufficient geo-blocking measures preventing access from the Netherlands.

The authority also identified several aggravating factors. These included the absence of visible age verification, the use of autoplay features prohibited under Dutch regulations, and acceptance of cryptocurrency payments.

The KSA further raised concerns about withdrawal conditions it described as harmful to consumers, noting requirements for repeated wagering before cashouts and restrictions on access to player balances, which it said could encourage continued gambling.

The enforcement action follows earlier regulatory intervention against the same operator. The KSA had previously ordered Chestoption to stop offering unlicensed gambling services in the Netherlands. Despite this, follow-up inspections reportedly found continued accessibility for Dutch users, resulting in penalty payments of €840,000 (US$973,766).

Chestoption has six weeks from notification of the decision, issued on 9 June, to file an objection with the regulator.

In its statement, the KSA emphasized that enforcement against illegal gambling operators extends beyond fines and includes cooperation with third parties such as payment providers, hosting companies, banks, and major technology platforms to restrict access.