26 May

Gambling News

Eleven individuals apprehended by Dutch authorities during illicit gambling operations.

Authorities in the Netherlands apprehended 11 individuals during a raid on locations in Amsterdam believed to be facilitating illicit gambling operations.
Card game
In collaboration with the regulator de Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), police executed a raid at a site on Nieuwpoortkade in Amsterdam-West on 20 May. This was in reaction to allegations of unlawful commercial gambling occurring at the location.

During the raid, authorities uncovered individuals participating in an illicit poker game. The police confiscated playing cards, further poker paraphernalia, narcotics, and two weapons.

Investigators confiscated several electronic devices, including telephones and hard discs.

Authorities stated that investigations about the apprehended individuals are still in progress, and ownership of the firearms remains uncertain.

The KSA assisted the police during the operation and is currently compiling its own report on the matter.

“Illegal gambling constitutes unfair competition against licensed companies that are obligated to adhere to various regulations, such as those aimed at preventing gambling addiction among patrons,” stated KSA.

The existence of unlawful gambling operations and narcotics within a business park represents a violation of public order. 

Moreover, venues for illegal gaming serve as incubators for criminal activity and provide avenues for money laundering. This may attract individuals unafraid of employing violence.

Illicit poker
Poker gaming in the Netherlands is exclusively permitted at designated Holland Casino sites. Recently, the police have conducted several analogous raids in reaction to allegations of unlawful conduct.

Casino Nieuws revealed that early this year, law enforcement dismantled two illicit poker tournaments.

In January, four individuals were apprehended in Valkenswaard for orchestrating an unlawful event. One month later in Vlissingen, two individuals were apprehended during an illicit cash game.

Privatisation
This week, it was revealed that the Netherlands is "exploring" new alternatives for Nederlandse Loterij (NLO), including the potential privatisation of the state-owned entity.

The Dutch finance minister, Marnix van Rij, published an assessment of the government's stake in the NLO. The government schedules these assessments on a consistent seven-year cycle for all state-owned properties. This year, the primary inquiry pertained to the status of the NLO and Holland Casino.  

The research indicated that the lottery corporation will be "prepared for privatisation both financially and organisationally."