Ksa Warns Bingo Loco Organiser Over Illegal Events in Netherlands

The Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) has determined that Legs Eleven Limited was operating bingo events in the Netherlands without legal authorisation. The events, branded as Bingo Loco, were held at venues including the Maassilo in Rotterdam and Complex in Maastricht.

Warnings Issued, Events ReformattedThe Ksa issued formal warnings to both Legs Eleven Limited and the Maassilo venue. Following direct contact with the parties involved, the events have been restructured — bingo rounds have been replaced with a music quiz format, which falls outside the scope of Dutch gambling legislation.

Dutch Bingo Rules: What Operators Need to KnowUnder Dutch law, bingo events can only be organised without a licence under strict conditions:

The organiser must be a Dutch association that has existed for at least three years and was not founded to run gambling activitiesAll proceeds must benefit a pre-announced charitable causeMaximum prize value: €400 per prize and €1,550 per eventThe event must be registered with the local municipality in advanceThe Bingo Loco events failed to meet these requirements. They were large-scale, public, and operated with a clear commercial purpose — with prizes available to attendees.

Enforcement PowersThe Ksa has a range of enforcement tools available when unlicensed gambling activities are identified, including administrative fines, penalty orders, and the seizure of materials and prizes. This case highlights that the regulator's scrutiny extends beyond online operators to live event formats that may qualify as gambling under Dutch law.