Key Moments:
- The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has started legal action against Stichting het pad der natuurenergie to recover €60,000 in unpaid fines.
- The foundation failed to provide financial transparency for its licensed lottery. As a result, enforcement measures were taken and the case referred to the Public Prosecution Service.
- This step is part of a wider crackdown. Recently, Adventure One QSS Inc. also faced penalties for unlawful gambling activities.
Enforcement Measures Intensify Over Unpaid Fines
The Netherlands Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), is recovering €60,000 in fines from Stichting het pad der natuurenergie, also called The Path of Natural Energy Foundation. The foundation failed to submit mandatory financial reports for its licensed lottery, despite repeated requests. Consequently, the KSA instructed a bailiff to start compulsory collection and referred the matter to the Dutch Public Prosecution Service for further investigation.
Non-Compliance with Charity Provisions
The dispute centers on a legal requirement: Dutch lottery operators must allocate at least 40% of proceeds to charitable causes. The KSA repeatedly asked the foundation for detailed financial data to confirm compliance, but the foundation did not respond.
Regulators emphasize transparency to maintain trust in the lottery system. Without clear reporting, there is no way to verify that funds reach intended charitable beneficiaries.
| Organization | Penalty Imposed | Reason for Fine | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stichting het pad der natuurenergie | €60,000 | Lack of financial disclosure regarding charity contributions | Legal collection measures initiated |
| Adventure One QSS Inc. (Polymarket) | €420,000 per week, up to €840,000 | Operating without a license in the Dutch market | Ordered to stop activities; further fines possible |
Regulatory Strategy and Public Disclosure
The KSA published these enforcement actions to warn consumers and industry participants about the risks of non-compliance. By sharing unresolved penalties, the regulator identifies potentially unreliable organizations and strengthens trust in the regulated gambling environment.
Broader Industry Clampdown
This action follows a recent penalty against Adventure One QSS Inc. for unlicensed gambling through Polymarket. The company now faces fines of €420,000 per week, up to €840,000. Additional turnover-linked penalties may follow if Dutch operations continue.
Ella Seijsener, Director of Licensing and Supervision at the KSA, said: “Prediction markets are growing in the Netherlands. These companies offer bets that are not allowed under any circumstances, even by licensed operators. Besides social risks, such as potential influence on elections, these activities are illegal. Anyone without a KSA license has no business here. This also applies to emerging gambling platforms.”
Policy Context
This regulatory activity coincides with the formation of the next Dutch cabinet. The coalition agreement, under “Sober Policy: Drugs, Gambling, and Sex Work,” aims to strengthen consumer protections and crack down on illegal gambling. Proposed initiatives include banning online gambling advertising and reviewing the number of licenses. The KSA remains committed to enforcing rules and holding operators accountable.
- Author
Daniel Williams
