The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has fined Winning Poker Network (WPN) €1.3 million ($1.34 million) for operating unlawful online poker sites accessible to players in the Netherlands.
The decision, made in December 2024, was publicly revealed on January 14, 2025.
WPN was found to have breached Dutch gambling rules by granting players access to its AmericasCardroom.eu (ACR) website. Dutch players could open accounts, deposit money with local credit cards, and compete in poker games and tournaments.
The website also advertised casino games of chance, including slots, which are illegal in the Netherlands.
Additional investigations found that other WPN-affiliated sites, such as TruePoker.eu, BlackChipPoker.eu, and PokerKing.com, provided unlicensed gaming services in the Netherlands.
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KSA initially reported Winning Poker Network activities in September 2022. Despite the warnings, ACR remained available in November 2022.
While the site suspended operations in the Netherlands in January 2023, additional investigation revealed that other WPN-linked sites, such as TruePoker.eu, continued to provide unlicensed online poker, sports betting, and casino games.
A penalty notice issued in March 2023 was disregarded, and violations continued into April, causing the KSA to increase the amount. Due to repeated infractions, the penalty was enhanced from the regular €600,000.
KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen stated, “A penalty payment order is an effective way to quickly remove illegal offers.” However, these types of parties can not expect to get off easy, thus we are enforcing sanctions for the infraction. With this, we strike them where it really hurts: their wallets.”
Online poker is legal in the Netherlands, but only for licensed operators. Casino games of chance, including slots, remain illegal. The KSA actively checks compliance to safeguard Dutch consumers and enforce the law.
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