The Kansspelautoriteit in the Netherlands busted an illegal bingo game in Dordrecht in November. About 200 visitors attended the event, including some minors.

In the Netherlands, organised bingo games are allowed on premises under strict conditions. For instance, playing bingo within closed circles (an existing group of people who know each other, such as members of a family, nursing home, company or association) (e.g. within a circle of friends) may not require permission. or circles of friends). nursing home).

Organising illegal bingo is punishable in the Netherlands

Associations can also organise bingo games, provided it is done for legitimate reasons and the prizes have a maximum value of €1550. For this form of bingo, a licence can be requested from the municipality. Ksa found that people did not always understand the rules of bingo and lotteries. As with bingo, participation in illegal bingo is in principle punishable and minors are not allowed to participate under any circumstances. Organisers of illegal lotteries and bingo games also risk high fines.

The KSA earlier received a report of a group called "Dordt Queens" setting up illegal bingo games. Bingo advertises through their own Facebook page. The pages were taken offline after Ksa reported them to Meta. Ksa's subsequent investigation revealed that the group continued to advertise on new pages and organise illegal bingo games.

Inspectors managed to locate the location of a planned physical bingo game. In consultation with the police and Dordrecht city hall, a raid was then planned. About 200 bingo players turned up that evening. Prizes won, including branded clothes, bags and shoes, were confiscated.