Dutch gambling regulator issues penalty order to offshore operator Gamusoft

The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has issued a weekly penalty order against Gamusoft for offering online gambling services in the Netherlands without a licence.

The penalty is tied to Gamusoft’s csgofast.com website, which allows users to place bets on the popular esports title Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

An investigation by the regulator revealed that Dutch players were able to register accounts, deposit funds, and gamble on the site, despite Gamusoft lacking a valid Dutch gaming licence. KSA also noted the absence of any technical barriers preventing users in the Netherlands from accessing the platform.

KSA has ordered Gamusoft to cease all operations targeting the Dutch market immediately. Failure to comply will result in a penalty of €280,000 (US$321,834) per week, with the total fine capped at €840,000 (US$965,504).

“With a penalty payment order, illegal offers are often quickly put a stop to,” the regulator said. “Providers may be fined for the period during which the illegal offer was available.”

In a separate case, KSA has issued an official warning to locally licensed operator 711 after one of its advertisements appeared on a website associated with homework for Dutch primary school students.

The regulator said that the ad placement, which was reported by a parent, breached national rules prohibiting gambling advertisements aimed at vulnerable groups, including minors. The advertisement was published by an external marketing partner contracted by 711.

While 711 said it discovered the issue through an internal investigation and took steps to prevent future occurrences, the company failed to report the incident to KSA—a requirement under its licence conditions.

KSA opted to issue a warning rather than pursue formal sanctions. However, the regulator emphasized the seriousness of the breach. “This form of advertising is considered by KSA to be very harmful and therefore a serious violation,” it said.

The regulator reiterated that all licensed operators are obligated to report such incidents, regardless of any internal action already taken.