The Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, KSA) has taken enforcement action against FBC B.V., the operator of Freebitco.in, for offering unlicensed games of chance in the Netherlands, imposing a penalty of up to €840,000 ($871,364).
The penalty payment order, announced on Nov. 15, followed KSA’s findings that Dutch players could access the site, create accounts, deposit funds, and participate in games of chance. These activities violate Dutch gambling laws, which require operators to hold a local license to ensure consumer protection.
FBC was granted a four-week period to comply with the order, which ended on Dec. 13. Failure to halt operations will result in a penalty of €280,000 per week ($293,897), up to a maximum of €840,000.
Investigations conducted throughout 2024 revealed Freebitco.in, a platform claiming over 54 million global users, offered games such as hi-lo jackpots and lotteries using Bitcoin. Despite multiple warnings, the site remained accessible to Dutch players, the watchdog said.
The regulator noted that FBC made repeated promises to comply but cited technical difficulties and internal disagreements as reasons for delays.
- In August, FBC claimed to have blocked Dutch players but later reported technical issues.
- By September, the company requested an extension to implement measures but failed to take corrective action.
- A final check in November confirmed the site was still accessible.
KSA described the offering of unlicensed games of chance as a “very serious” violation of Dutch law.
“The Netherlands has a regulated gambling market to better protect players,” KSA said. “KSA therefore takes tough action against illegal offers. With a penalty payment order, illegal offers are often quickly stopped.”
FBC now faces significant financial consequences unless it ceases operations in the Netherlands. The regulator warned that additional fines could be imposed for the duration of the site’s illegal accessibility.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2024/12/19/89133-dutch-gambling-authority-imposes-penalty-on-freebitcoin-operator-over-illegal-gaming
