Following an investigation into how operators handled young adult players, BetCity was fined €2.65 million by the KSA, the Netherlands Gambling Authority. The review focused on player losses from October 2021 to March 2023, before Entain took over BetCity in January 2023.
The KSA found that BetCity failed to meet its legal duty of care. Specifically, it fell short in monitoring player conduct and intervening during instances of excessive or risky gambling activity. With some individuals suffering substantial losses in condensed timeframes, the regulator identified significant failures in safeguarding young adult players.
Including €43,000 in just a single month, a player lost more than €63,000 over a year in one case. Another individual accumulated €80,000 in losses without any intervention or adjusted limits. The KSA asserted that BetCity either delayed its response or failed to address clear warning signs connected with excessive play.
In August, the regulator ruled that BetCity’s objections were unsubstantiated. The company’s attempt to challenge the fine and related disclosures was unsuccessful. KSA Chair Michel Groothuizen stated that the licensed gambling market is based on the principle that anyone who wants to gamble should be able to do so safely. Therefore, providers have a duty of care to their players and must respond appropriately to excessive gambling. Large losses are an important signal of this. They have intensified their oversight of the online duty of care, and they are taking strong action against violations like those they observe at BetCity. They truly do not want to see providers fail so badly in their duty of care, especially for vulnerable young players.
A BetCity spokesperson stated that they acknowledge the findings in this case. This legal action concerns the historical failures of BetCity’s previous owner and management, Sports Entertainment Media. Since acquiring BetCity in January 2023, Entain has thoroughly reviewed all operational processes. The company has also significantly strengthened these processes to enhance player protection and uphold best practices in responsible gambling.
