KSA Shutters Web of Black Market Facebook Bingo Sites

With the Netherlands regulation of online gambling on October 1st of this year has come a renewed vigour for shutting down illegal operators. Prior to writing the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) into force, the Dutch market was one that was frequently abused due to the government's laissez-faire approach to oversight.

What has been unexpected, yet highly appreciated by the operators who have acquired licenses to offer gambling services to the lucrative jurisdiction, has been the aggressive and decisive actions by the Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) aimed at removing illegal operators from the equation.

 Facebook Gambling Under Fire

Facebook has become a favourite haunt of underground gambling operators, and in particular bingo providers, given the ability to open private groups and so-called ‘fan communities’.

These groups are only open to participating members and as such allow black market operators a ‘safe space’ within which to ply their trade. However, the KSA began partnering with Facebook in 2021 to expose as well as shut down these operators.

The most recent one to fall foul of such a joint operation is the Dordtse Queens group. The group consisted of more than 10,000 members who participated in a web of illegal bingo games which contravened the Dutch gambling regulation and Facebook’s terms of service.

Most disconcerting was the discovery that due to a lack of age verification these games were being offered to underage participants which is a major red flag for the regulator.

Facebook has subsequently closed not only the Dordtse Queens group but six additional pages that were found to be part of their network.

Why Does This Matter?

If you have ever played bingo casually you might consider it a very low cost, low risk, form of gambling and wonder why the KSA is going to such great pains to shut them down.

It is important to keep in mind that the KSA is first and foremost concerned with ensuring the safety of the Dutch gambling community. When it comes to dealing with regulated providers, they focus heavily on ensuring:

1. That all the games are fair and that players are not being cheated out of their money
2. That the provider will honour the prize money won by the players
3. That player data, personal and financial, is not being abused or sold
4. That underage gambling is not allowed to protect youth from gambling harm
5. That at-risk gamblers are afforded the tools and assistance need to protect them

Whether it is online slots, sports betting, or a Facebook bingo game the Dutch gambling authority is unable to deliver on these core mandates when players frequent illegal sites – and the KSA is proving unwavering in its determination to create a safe and fair gambling marketplace for players and regulated operators alike.