Countries across the globe are increasing efforts to combat illegal gambling and encourage player safety.
A noticeable priority for governments across the globe seems to be increasing their efforts to combat illegal gambling . Unlicensed operators pose one of the biggest threats, as they undermine regulatory frameworks and create an unfair gaming environment.
In response to the growing threat of illegal casinos , we see nations like Sweden, Brazil, and the Netherlands take a stand, determined to curb all illicit gambling activities. Let's explore what that entails:
The Netherlands undermines the black market
The Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) , has increased its enforcement strategies to eliminate illegal operators currently targeting Dutch consumers. The KSA successfully removed 20 unauthorised gambling apps between January and March 2025. An act that serves as a testament to its dedication to making the country a safer place to play.
It's been a busy time for the KSA. One of the biggest penalties awarded was the €1.2 million fine against Techno Offshore, an operator found guilty of running an unlicensed gambling service. It also issued a weekly penalty order of €280,000 to Starcream for offering unlicensed games to players. Gamusoft received an identical order for facilitating unregulated skin gambling.
By issuing steep fines and taking all necessary technical measures to block these illegal apps, the KSA is determined to deter any other unregulated operators from entering the market. It's also making clear that both illegal operations and lapses in compliance with the Dutch gambling regulations will be met with serious consequences.
Aside from financial penalties, the regulator has also recently launched its consumer awareness initiatives , which aim to educate players on the risks associated with illegal gambling.
The Dutch authorities aim to educate punters that licensed Dutch casinos offer more transparency and player protection . So, by choosing these sites, players have a lower risk of falling victim to fraudulent platforms.
Sweden closes legal loopholes to stop offshore gambling
Sweden is another notable example of a government dedicated to curbing the activities of foreign operators. The Swedish gambling authority, Spelinspektionen , is working diligently to close all existing legal loopholes that allow offshore operators to target players without facing consequences.
The country has some of the strictest gambling laws, but despite this, unlicensed platforms remain at large. They have been exploiting regulatory gaps and are a big risk to local players.
The Swedish government is conducting investigations into unauthorised online gambling activities and works to reveal compliance violations by these unregulated platforms. To counter these violations, lawmakers are strengthening the Swedish gambling regulations to ensure that only licensed operators can legally offer services within the country.
One of the key focus points of their current strategy is consumer protection . According to reports, offshore operators employ aggressive marketing tactics to attract Swedish gamblers and frequently fail to meet responsible gaming standards.
By tightening regulations and restricting unauthorised advertising, the Swedish authorities aim to limit the accessibility of unlicensed gambling platforms while simultaneously reinforcing responsible gambling measures and directing punters only to safe and reputable Swedish online casinos .
Brazil’s financial institutions join the battle
In Brazil, the battle against illegal gambling has infiltrated the financial institutions. The Central Bank of Brazil is now blocking transactions associated with unauthorised betting platforms and making it even more difficult for these illegal operators to process player deposits and withdrawals.
Brazil's gambling regulations are considered pretty severe already, but the authorities have been looking into even stricter reforms. This is just one of the latest interventions that shows the country’s dedication to eliminating illegal betting .
By disrupting the link between financial networks and illegal operators the government is determined to cut off revenue streams which aim to cripple unlicensed sites.
While Sweden and the Netherlands' enforcement is primarily driven by their gambling regulations, Brazil takes a different approach, focusing more on financial oversight and its role in preventing illegal gambling.
More transparency and responsible gambling
The fight against illegal gambling is gaining momentum, and we see more nations recognising the importance of stronger enforcement, better player protection measures , and how to play responsibly . Regulators are stepping up to impose larger fines, shut down unauthorised platforms, and block financial transactions to and from these illegal sites.
As the global gambling industry continues to grow and evolve, these measures play an important role in the way forward. With regions focusing on cracking down on illegal gambling, it encourages safer gameplay and more transparency between operators and players.
by 
April 30, 2025
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