The Gaming Authority (KSA) of the Netherlands has discovered an illegal raffle in Dordrecht. The tombola was organized by an organization against which KSA has already taken action. About 200 visitors attended the event, including some minors.
Organizing bingo on site is permitted in the Netherlands under strict conditions. For example, a bingo in Closed circle (an existing group of people who know each other such as a family, relatives, a nursing home, a company or members of an association) can be organized without a license (for example in a circle of friends or in a nursing home). Associations can also organize a tombola, provided that it is for a good cause and that the prizes have a maximum value of 1550 euros. For this type of bingo it is possible to request a permit from the municipality.
Ksa was informed that an organization promotes illegal bingo, the “Dordtse Queens”. The bingos were advertised via Facebook pages. After a report from the KSA to Meta, these pages were taken offline. A follow-up investigation by the KSA revealed that the organization continued to advertise and organize illegal bingo on new pages.
KSA inspectors were able to discover the location of a planned physical raffle. In coordination with the police and the municipality of Dordrecht, a raid was then planned. Around 200 bingo players were present at the evening. The prizes (including designer clothes, bags and shoes) were confiscated.
The KSA finds that people are not always aware of the rules surrounding bingo and lotteries. Participation in illegal bingo is also punishable in principle e minors are not allowed to participate under any circumstances. Organizers of illegal lotteries and bingo also risk a hefty fine.
