The Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, KSA) has imposed a fine of €2.65 million on online operator BetCity for repeated violations of player protection duties. According to reports from NOS, InterGame, and PressGiochi, BetCity failed to intervene when a 21-year-old player lost around €45,000 in a short period. The KSA described this as a “serious breach of the duty of care.”
The sanction is part of a series of measures targeting operators who neglect prevention requirements. KSA chairman René Jansen stated that the authority will take “stronger and faster action” against operators that fail to protect vulnerable players, emphasizing that prevention must come before penalties.
Who is BetCity?
BetCity, officially BetEnt B.V., is one of the most recognized gambling brands in the Netherlands. The company received its official KSA license for online sports betting and casino operations in 2021, shortly after the Dutch online gambling market was legalized.
In 2022, the British gaming giant Entain plc — owner of bwin, Ladbrokes, and PartyPoker — acquired BetCity for approximately €300 million, with the total deal potentially reaching €450 million based on performance.
Within months, BetCity captured roughly 20 percent of the Dutch market, making it one of the fastest-growing licensed operators in the country. The acquisition strengthened Entain’s position in regulated European markets.
No German license – focus remains on home market
While Entain already holds German licenses through bwin and Ladbrokes, BetCity operates exclusively in the Netherlands and does not possess a German online gambling license under the GlüStV 2021.
The operator runs under the national “.nl” domain and adheres to the KSA’s strict rules covering advertising, identity verification, deposit limits, and player exclusion programs.
Repeated violations harm reputation
This latest fine is not BetCity’s first penalty. In 2023, the KSA had already imposed a €3 million fine for similar failures to monitor and respond to problematic gambling behavior.
The regulator sees a recurring pattern and publicly urged Entain to take “greater responsibility for compliance within its subsidiaries.” For Entain, which faces regulatory reviews in several jurisdictions — including the UK and Austria — the case is particularly sensitive and underscores ongoing challenges in risk management and social responsibility.
Stricter supervision across the Netherlands
The Netherlands has become one of Europe’s most tightly regulated online gambling markets. Since the market opened in October 2021, the KSA has issued only a limited number of licenses and enforces strict oversight of marketing, data protection, and player care.
In recent months, the authority has fined several operators — including Toto, Bet365, and Betnation — for similar breaches. The KSA says its goal is to make oversight “not just reactive, but preventive,” ensuring that responsible gambling remains at the core of the legal market.
Outlook
For BetCity and parent company Entain, the implications are significant. Beyond the financial penalty, the operator faces a reputational challenge that could affect its market position in the Netherlands and its parent’s broader European strategy.
If additional compliance issues surface, the KSA may tighten restrictions or reconsider licensing conditions.
The regulator’s message to the industry is clear:
“Those who operate in a regulated market must take responsibility for protecting players — otherwise, they risk losing both public trust and their license to play.”