Unibet Fined €4m by KSA Over Player Protection Failures

The Ksa announced that Optdeck Service Limited, the operator of Unibet in the Netherlands, failed to meet its statutory duty of care between July 2022 and July 2024. A review of multiple player files revealed that every case examined included shortcomings in responsible gambling oversight. Regulators noted that players were able to deposit thousands of euros per day without timely checks, and income verification was frequently requested only after significant losses had already occurred. Interventions were also found to be minimal, often limited to short messages that could be dismissed easily.

In its findings, the Ksa highlighted that Optdeck used financial information that is not permitted under Dutch regulations, including company accounts, to support evaluations of personal gambling behaviour. The regulator stressed that operators must assess the origin of funds accurately and act swiftly when identifying indicators of high-risk play.

This enforcement action is the latest in a series of regulatory challenges for Optdeck. Earlier in the year, the Ksa threatened a €450,000 penalty after discovering that Unibet had offered prohibited football bets, including markets on under-21 matches and wagers on cards and corners. Despite assurances that these markets had been removed, the regulator later confirmed their continued availability in May 2025. Additional warnings were issued in June for breaches involving untargeted advertising and autoplay features, including misuse of a Unibet-branded team coach linked to a cycling sponsorship.

The €4m fine reinforces the Netherlands’ firm approach to protecting consumers and ensuring compliance. For operators, the case serves as a clear reminder that regulatory expectations in the Dutch market remain stringent and closely enforced.