LeoVegas received a six-figure fine for failing to meet its duty of care. It told iGaming Expert that it will continue to appeal against the KSA (Kansspelautoriteit), the Dutch gambling authority.
In a statement, the regulator said LeoVegas failed to comply with its duty of care. This applied to all player files requested between October 2023 and May 2024. The regulator has also fined the company €500,000 as a result.
The KSA listed failings including LeoVegas not taking timely action when a player deposited and lost thousands of euros in a short period, and not implementing effective interventions. One player showing serious signs of excessive gambling initially received only a pop-up, which was easy to dismiss.
LeoVegas has told iGaming Expert that it disagrees with the regulator’s ruling and will continue to appeal the fine.
A spokesperson at LeoVegas said that LeoVegas Group takes responsible gaming and their Duty of Care obligations very seriously. They fully respect the regulatory framework in the Netherlands and always seek to work closely with regulators. However, they disagree with the KSA’s findings, and the fine remains under appeal.
The spokesperson added that LeoVegas Group takes responsible gaming and their Duty of Care obligations very seriously. They disagree with the KSA’s findings, and the fine remains under appeal. At the same time, they fully respect the regulatory framework in the Netherlands and always seek to work closely with their regulators.
They also stated that since the KSA initiated the review, they have continued to develop and enhance their responsible gaming processes. These processes remain subject to ongoing evaluation and improvement.
KSA Chair Michel Groothuizen emphasized that operators must do everything possible to uphold the duty of care. He said it should be maintained to the highest standard.
Groothuizen stated that the duty of care is an essential component of the broader spectrum of player protection.
He added that providers should respond appropriately to excessive gambling. Significant losses in a short period of time are a key indicator of this. They have intensified their oversight of this duty of care. The regulator is taking a firm stance against gambling providers, as this crucial element cannot be neglected.
