Dutch Authorities Crack Down on Online Gambling
May 21 - While in many respects the Netherlands is considered a 'laid back' country in
terms of its attitudes towards drugs, gay marriages and the like, however, when
it comes to online gambling, it seems its government is not so understanding.
Recent reports suggest that Dutch authorities have stepped up their efforts to
crack down on illegal online gambling and, as a result, have appealed to Dutch
banks to stop processing financial transactions related to online gambling
sites apart from those related to its state-owned gambling monopoly, De Lotto.
A Dutch Justice Ministry spokesperson was quoted as saying that 'it is illegal
for online gambling companies to offer Internet gambling services in the
Netherlands without a proper permit'.
It is no secret that Dutch authorities are after two well-known online gambling
companies in particular, the Dutch-based online casino, Oranje Casino, and Swedish online
betting firm, Unibet, while they have identified up to 50 other online gambling firms
suspected of flouting Dutch law.
In April this year, the Dutch government turned down a bill that would have
opened the way for Holland Casino, a leading Dutch land-based casino, to launch
a trial online gambling operation.
However, as stubborn and short-sighted as Dutch authorities may be, they are
facing increasing pressure from the European Union (EU) to open up their online
gambling markets or face a lengthy court action.
Online gambling has caused a split in many EU members states, with many
countries embracing legalized and regulated online gambling, while others
struggle against the EU and popular opinion to protect their lucrative
state-owned monopolies.
|
|
|
