KSA threatens Gamusoft with €280,000 weekly penalties over illegal offerings
The Netherlands’ gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has issued a strict order against Gamusoft, the operator of CSGOFast, an online skin gambling website. The KSA has told Gamusoft to stop offering illegal games of chance to Dutch users or face a weekly penalty of €280,000, up to a maximum of €840,000.
CSGOFast targeted over unlicensed gambling access
The that Dutch residents could access CSGOFast and participate in various games of chance without any restrictions. This includes games like Hi Lo, baccarat, and crash-style formats. Users can deposit real money to earn credits, which can be used to win or trade digital weapon skins from popular esports titles.
These “skins” are cosmetic items that can be used in games or traded for real-world value, with some worth hundreds of euros. The site also facilitates raffles and peer-to-peer trades using these credits.
Since Gamusoft does not hold a gambling licence in the Netherlands, its activities breach Dutch gambling laws. The KSA has stated that if the company fails to restrict access within the country, it will begin enforcing the financial penalties.
Skin gambling may appeal to young audiences
A key concern raised by the KSA is that the nature of skin gambling may attract younger players, who are more likely to be engaged with video games and esports. These platforms often use visual and game-like mechanics that resemble video gaming environments, making them more appealing to underage users.
The regulator highlighted the lack of age verification or geo-blocking on CSGOFast, which allowed unrestricted access from the Netherlands. This violates the Dutch Betting and Gaming Act, which requires operators to hold a valid licence and take active steps to protect vulnerable users.
Protection failures
This warning to Gamusoft follows another recent enforcement action by the KSA. Just days earlier, a licensed operator was fined €734,000 for failing to adequately protect young players from potential gambling harm. The authority noted that the operator did not have sufficient measures in place to detect or prevent underage or high-risk gambling activity.
The KSA has ramped up its oversight in recent months, focusing heavily on both unlicensed operations and the responsibilities of licensed providers to ensure safe gambling environments.
No licence, no access
According to Dutch law, any operator offering games of chance to Dutch residents must hold a licence from the KSA. This includes any site where money or valuable items are staked for the chance to win a prize. The regulator has made clear that non-compliant platforms will face significant penalties.
Gamusoft has been given a deadline to cease offering its services in the Netherlands. If it fails to comply, the penalty of €280,000 per week will be applied, up to a total of €840,000.
