The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has dismantled several illegal poker tournaments during the autumn 2024. Tens of thousands of euros in cash were found. The Authority also recently imposed a penalty payment order of up to €110,000 on an organiser of poker without a license.
Illegal poker tournaments are often part of undermining crime, where criminals use legal businesses (such as catering establishments) or citizens for criminal activities. In addition, poker players are at risk of gambling addiction, especially when playing in an uncontrolled environment with high stakes.
The KSA combats illegal gambling, including illegal poker. In the last quarter of 2024, KSA inspectors dismantled illegal poker tournaments in six operations, often in collaboration with the police and municipalities, in Amsterdam, Asten, The Hague, Rotterdam and Tilburg. Large amounts of cash were often found at the locations in question; in one case even 40,000 euros. In one of the operations, the catering establishment in question was permanently closed by order of the municipality.
Organising poker tournaments on location where money can be won is only allowed by one party in the Netherlands. Since 1975, that has been Holland Casino. Outside of that, tournaments for prizes or bonuses (money or something that can be exchanged for money) are prohibited, unless in a closed circle (an existing group of people who know each other such as a family, relatives, nursing home, a company or members of an association) is being played.
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