TLDR The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) fined Chestoption €3,082,000 for running Vave.com without a license in the Netherlands The site had no age verification, offered autoplay and turboplay features, and accepted crypto payments KSA also works with banks, payment providers, and tech companies to cut off unlicensed operators The Netherlands is preparing a full ban on online gambling ads and bonuses due to rising addiction rates Young people are identified as the most at-risk group, prompting lawmakers to push for tighter rules
The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has fined Costa Rica-based Chestoption Sociedad de Responsibilidad Limitada €3,082,000 for offering illegal gambling services to Dutch players through the website Vave.com.
The regulator found that Chestoption ran the site without holding a Dutch gambling license. A previous order had already been issued against the operator before this fine was applied.
No Safeguards for Dutch Players
The site was available in English but included Dutch-language advertising, showing a clear effort to attract players from the Netherlands. Regulators found no measures in place to block Dutch residents from accessing the platform.
Vave.com also lacked basic player protections. There was no age verification system, and features like autoplay and turboplay were available to users. The platform also accepted cryptocurrency payments.
The KSA said enforcement goes beyond fines. The authority works with payment providers, banks, hosting services, and major tech companies to cut off financial and technical support for unlicensed operators.
This action against Chestoption was not an isolated case. The KSA has been active across several fronts in recent days.
Betnation was flagged for breaching self-exclusion rules. TOTO Online was found to have ignored a ban on role-model advertising. Online casino 711 was handed a separate fine of €886,000 for responsible gambling failings.
Netherlands Prepares Sweeping Gambling Overhaul
Dutch officials are now