About Rechtnu
Rechtnu is committed to advocating for individuals wronged by unlicensed online gambling operators. Our mission is to provide legal support and assistance to those seeking to recover their losses, ensuring justice is served and gambling companies are held accountable.
Legal Recourse for Gamblers
Dutch courts have made a significant move by ruling that online gambling companies must refund money lost by players before the legalization of online gambling in the country. This decision is crucial for gamblers who suffered losses when these companies operated illegally.
Several default judgments have already been issued, ordering companies like Unibet and another unnamed casino to repay substantial amounts to affected gamblers. For example, Unibet was ordered to refund €93,000, while another casino must repay €124,000. Lawyer Benzi Loonstein has successfully argued these cases, asserting that companies operating without a legal license have no right to retain the money they earned during that period.
These rulings extend beyond the Netherlands. Gamblers in Germany and Austria have also won numerous cases against unlicensed online casinos, setting an important precedent for other regions dealing with the effects of unregulated online gambling.
Challenges in Enforcing Rulings
Despite positive court rulings, enforcing them remains a significant challenge. Many online gambling companies are based in Malta, where new laws may allow them to disregard foreign court judgments. This legislation complicates efforts to enforce Dutch rulings, providing legal protection for these companies against foreign legal actions.
Unibet intends to file objections against the Dutch court’s ruling, which could result in prolonged legal proceedings. The European Commission is currently examining the Maltese law that enables companies to ignore foreign judgments, but a final decision could take years, leaving affected gamblers in a prolonged state of uncertainty.
The scale of Losses and Legal Action
The financial losses and subsequent legal action taken by Dutch gamblers are substantial. At least 100 gamblers are pursuing legal action to recover losses incurred before the regulation of online gambling. One notable case involves a gambler who lost over €187,000 at Bwin casino between 2018 and 2019. A Dutch court ordered a €200,000 refund due to Bwin’s lack of a local license.
These cases highlight the significant financial impact of unlicensed online gambling and the legal avenues available for recovery. However, the effectiveness of these legal remedies is hindered by the complex international landscape of online gambling regulations.
Conclusion
The Dutch courts’ rulings favoring gamblers seeking refunds for losses at unlicensed online casinos mark a significant step towards consumer protection in the online gambling industry. However, the challenges in enforcing these rulings, particularly against companies based in Malta, underscore the complexities of international online gambling regulation. As the European Commission reviews the new Maltese law, affected gamblers must navigate a complex and uncertain legal terrain to recover their losses.
Rechtnu is here to support gamblers in their fight for justice. Our team of experienced legal professionals is dedicated to protecting your rights, and you receive the compensation you deserve. For those who have lost money in online gambling, understanding the legal recourse available and the potential obstacles is crucial. While recent rulings offer hope, the path to recovery is far from straightforward. As legal battles continue, the broader implications for the online gambling industry and consumer protection remain to be seen.
For more information on how Rechtnu can assist you in recovering your losses from online gambling, please get in touch with us. We can make a difference and hold these companies accountable for their actions.
