The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has imposed a €1.3 million ($1.34 million) fine on Winning Poker Network (WPN) for operating unlicensed online poker platforms accessible to players in the Netherlands. The decision, finalized in December 2024, was publicly announced on January 14, 2025.
WPN was found to have violated Dutch gambling laws by allowing players to access its AmericasCardroom.eu (ACR) website. Dutch players were able to create accounts, deposit funds using local credit cards, and participate in poker games and tournaments. The website also offered casino games of chance, including slots, which are banned in the Netherlands.
Additional investigations revealed that other sites linked to WPN, including TruePoker.eu, BlackChipPoker.eu, and PokerKing.com, were also operating unlicensed gambling services in the Netherlands.
The KSA first flagged WPN’s activities in September 2022. Despite warnings, ACR remained accessible in November 2022. While the site ceased operations in the Netherlands by January 2023, further probes found other WPN-linked platforms, such as TruePoker.eu, continuing to offer unlicensed online poker, sports betting, and casino games.
A penalty notice issued in March 2023 was ignored, and violations persisted into April, prompting the KSA to escalate the fine. The penalty was increased from the standard €600,000 due to repeated offenses.
KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen, said: “A penalty payment order is an effective way to quickly remove illegal offers. However, these types of parties should not think that they will get off easy with this, so we are also imposing fines for the violation committed. With this, we hit them where it really hurts, namely in their wallets.”
Online poker is legal in the Netherlands but only through licensed operators. Casino games of chance, including slots, remain prohibited. The KSA actively monitors compliance to protect Dutch consumers and uphold the law.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/01/15/91926-dutch-regulator-fines-winning-poker-network-134-million-for-unlicensed-operations
