KSA Fines Unibet for Accepting Bets from Self-Excluded Players

The Dutch regulator fined Optdeck Service Limited, the operator of the Unibet brand, €400,000 for serious violations related to accepting bets from self-excluded players during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Violation and Causes

The self-exclusion system Cruks (Central Register for the Exclusion of Gambling) is designed to protect players from the risks associated with gambling. All operators in the Netherlands are required to verify a player’s status using their BSN (citizen service number) before granting access to their services.

However, between November 22, 2022, and January 30, 2023, Unibet deviated from its standard registration process. During a surge in user activity caused by the World Cup, the company allowed players who received error messages during Cruks checks to register without providing a BSN.

Investigation Findings

An investigation by the KSA, initiated after receiving a complaint in mid-2023, revealed that a total of 3,020 players were improperly registered. Of these, 15 individuals were later confirmed to be registered in Cruks and previously self-excluded.

Unibet admitted the mistake, stating that the registration process was altered to handle a high volume of new users. After receiving reports of violations, the company discontinued the simplified registration method.

Fine and Regulator’s Warning

The KSA emphasized the importance of Cruks as a tool to combat gambling addiction and protect players from the adverse effects of gambling. In its statement, the regulator said:

“The status of players must be checked with utmost diligence. If this does not happen, a fine will follow.”

Optdeck Service Limited stated that it does not intend to appeal the decision and is prepared to accept the consequences.

Conclusions and Implications

This case serves as a reminder to operators of the strict obligations to comply with regulations and protect players. Failing to ensure full compliance can result in severe penalties and reputational damage.

Regulators continue to tighten oversight to minimize risks for players and prevent abuses in the gambling industry.