Netherlands fines 1XBet €400,000 for unlicensed operations

The Netherlands Gambling Authority has hit 1XBet with a €400,000 fine for operating in Dutch territory without a licence.

The sanctions are specifically aimed at 1xbet.com and xbet-1.com, which hold gaming licences in Curacao and Cyprus respectively.

The Dutch regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has also blocked access to another 83 gambling websites operated by Exinvest Limited and 1X Corp. NV.

The KSA claims the two companies and their various brands promoted their live dealer casino games, online slots and sports betting products in the Netherlands between February and July last year.

1X Corp. NV is preparing to appeal the decision after insisting that an “exceptionally small” percentage of their business comes from the Dutch gambling sector.

If the penalty is upheld, it will be a huge blow to 1XBet’s chances of entering the newly legitimised online gambling market in the Netherlands.

The Dutch Senate passed the Remote Gaming Bill last week, paving the way for a regulated online casino industry with licences issued by the KSA.