Since the legalization of online gambling in the Netherlands on October 1, 2021, it is imperative that online casinos have a valid license issued by the Kansspelautoriteit to operate. Before this, many Dutch players faced substantial financial losses due to unlicensed online casinos that continued to accept bets from the Netherlands despite this being illegal. These players now hold the online gambling providers accountable, with some already pursuing legal action. This article outlines the available legal avenues for affected players, offering hope for those who have suffered financial setbacks.
Legal Options for Dutch Online Gamblers
Historically, online gambling operators have also provided services without proper licensing in various countries. However, courts in Austria and Germany have successfully mandated these operators to reimburse gamblers the amounts they lost through illegal online gambling. This has set a precedent that Dutch courts have recently followed. Now, if you lost money through unlicensed online gambling platforms before October 1, 2021, you might be entitled to a refund, giving you a reason to be optimistic about your chances.
Dutch Court Decisions on Online Gambling Refunds
Dutch courts have issued rulings requiring online gambling platforms to compensate players for losses incurred due to illegal gambling activities. These rulings were made in absentia, meaning the defendant—the online gambling provider—did not participate in the court proceedings. In these cases, the courts grant default judgments if the claims are neither unlawful nor unfounded. However, online gambling operators like Unibet have the option to contest these decisions by filing an opposition.
Legal Developments in Malta Affecting Online Gambling
Many online gambling platforms are headquartered in Malta, where online gambling constitutes nearly 10% of the nation’s economy. Recent legislation in Malta allows these platforms to disregard foreign judgments, such as those from Dutch courts, if they comply with local licensing and regulations. This new law poses significant challenges for enforcing Dutch judgments and might be subject to scrutiny by the European Commission for compatibility with EU standards.
Need Legal Advice?
If you have been affected by illegal online gambling activities and need legal assistance, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to provide a free initial consultation to explore your options for recovering your losses. Contact us .
