Videoslots Objects to Dutch Penalty Even as KSA Lowers the Fine

The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands’ gambling authority, has agreed to reduce Videoslots’ record-breaking penalty but the operator remains reluctant to pay. According to a spokesperson from the company, Videoslots should not be punishable because it did not commit the alleged violation.

KSA Handed a Record-Breaking Penalty to Videoslots

For context, the KSA had slammed Videoslots with the largest penalty in its history. In March, the regulator alleged that the operator had committed a number of violations, including accidentally displaying KSA’s logo on its website.

As a result, the KSA handed an unprecedented €9.9 million ($11 million) penalty to Videoslots. René Jansen, the regulator’s chair, had emphasized that the safety of the Dutch customers comes first and that the authority “means” this fine. Jansen further explained that he believes the penalty is proportional to Videoslots’ violation.

For context, the settlement was based on the assumption that Videoslots’ 2021 turnover from the Netherland stood at €141 million ($156.9 million).

Videoslots, however, appealed the penalty.

Videoslots Strongly Objects to the Penalty

According to the Advisory Committee for Objections, Videoslots had taken steps to stop targeting the Dutch market in a timely manner. The committee calculated an estimated turnover of €17.34 million ($19.3 million), instead of €141 million.

As a result, the KSA agreed to reduce the penalty from €9.9 million to only €975,000 ($1.1 million).

However, Videoslots remained opposed to the penalty. In an interview with NEXT.io, a spokesperson claimed that the KSA did not reach the logical conclusion based on the new findings.

The basis for the calculation of the revised fine remains rooted in an inaccurate estimate of internet traffic and assumed turnover in an incomparable period.

Videoslots spokesperson

The operator claimed that the initial decision was prompted by “temporary and erroneous” site changes the Videoslots platform was undergoing in preparation for its Dutch launch. The operator emphasized it operating legally had always been its intention.

Our intention has always been to operate as a compliant entity within the Dutch market, and we regret that we have not been given the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Ksa to discuss and resolve this matter.

Videoslots spokesperson

In addition, Videoslots critiqued KSA’s method of accessing its site.

As a result, the company insisted that it should not be punishable under Dutch law and said that it strongly objects to the fine.