The Netherlands Gaming Authority (Ksa) has imposed two periodic penalty payments on Dordtse Queens for the illegal organization of bingo halls. Bingo can be organized as a small game of chance.
For the organization of small games of chance, certain conditions must be met.
Among them, that the game is played in a closed circle (an existing group of people who know each other, such as a family, residents of a care home, employees of a company or members of an association) and that the total value of the prizes do not exceed €1550.
When these conditions are met, the organization must request permission from the municipality where the event will take place. The KSA has detected an increase in the organization of illegal bingos that do not meet the conditions of a small game of chance and where large prizes are offered.
In November 2023, KSA inspectors discovered the location of an illegal event, after which a joint raid was planned with the police and the municipality. On the night of the event there were approximately 200 players present. A separate penalty payment has been imposed on the two organizers.
If any of them organize illegal bingo again, the Ksa will impose a fine of €8,000 for each event, with a maximum of €80,000. Furthermore, advertising an illegal event will be punished with a fine of €4,000 for each case, with a maximum of €40,000. The Ksa observes that people are not always aware of the rules related to bingos and lotteries.
For bingos, participation in an illegal one is also punishable, and minors cannot participate at all. Organizers of illegal lotteries and bingos also risk sanctions, such as the penalty payments mentioned above.
