Dutch government targeting Internet gambling

In a worrying trend for online bingo operators and online bingo halls with Dutch customers, the Volkskrant newspaper in Holland is reporting that Dutch authorities are getting tougher on Internet gambling despite European Union principles on the free movement of goods and services between European Union member nations.

The online bingo games industry in Holland is not very large, but there are alarming reports that banks and credit card operators may be held liable if found to be facilitating Dutch people gambling on foreign internet sites.  The new regulations come via new justice ministry regulations complete with a list of banned websites to be announced this spring.

Like Sweden, France and Greece, Holland is already a target of the European Commission seeking to ensure compliance with EU requirements on trade due to its current state-run gambling monopolies De Lotto and Holland Casino.  Both companies enjoy monopolies on commercial gambling in Holland with the Dutch government already giving Holland Casino exclusive rights in the Internet gambling sector, including bingo online.