Dutch Regulator: Illegal Gambling Needs Pan-European Solution

Michael Groothuizen, the chair of the Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA), wrote an opinion piece discussing the Annual Gambling Committee Debate. He noted that a growing number of lawmakers in the Netherlands are increasingly concerned about the proliferation of illegal gambling websites.

Groothuizen estimated that half of every euro spent on gambling in the Netherlands goes to fund illegal operations. He argued that tackling illegal gambling would require a pan-European effort, as the problem is too large and complex for a single country to handle.

Groothuizen mentioned that illegal gambling websites often reappear quickly after being shut down, and fines are rarely paid. He emphasized that issuing large fines is not the same as actually being able to collect them, highlighting the need for international cooperation.