Shark77 fined €900,000 by the Dutch Gaming Authority

Players from the country were able to access the website's casino games and sports betting without any technical safeguards being put in place to prevent them. 

Online games of chance can only be offered by individuals who have a Gaming Authority licence. There are strict rules and regulations in place to make sure this is a legitimate and safe offer.

Those who provide games of chance online with a valid licence are required to pay fees that those without a licence are exempt from. 

In addition, the strict regulations of the Betting and Gaming Act and associated licencing procedures do not apply to unlawful providers, and they are not even required to pay taxes in the Netherlands. Unauthorised dealers can offer a different deal, the regulator stressed.

"These providers can have an attractive effect on players and jeopardise the channelling to the legal offer," stated Rene Jansen, Chairman of the Gaming Authority. To us, this is a major problem that nobody wants. Providers holding a valid licence from the Gaming Authority owe it to Dutch players to adequately protect them. 

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) recently fined Caesars $150,000 in a majority decision. The group was fined for breaking the law in the US state by advertising free bets and for failing to clearly disclose where problem gamblers can get treatment in their adverts.