Unibet operator Optdeck has been fined 4 million euros by the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Ksa). The regulator said the company failed to properly follow important rules that are meant to protect players and make sure betting activities are handled safely and responsibly.

The fine comes after months of detailed checks carried out by the Ksa. Optdeck has already received several warnings earlier this year, and this latest action adds even more pressure on the operator as it continues to face growing scrutiny from the regulator.

Failures in Player Protection and Oversight

The Ksa said that every player file it reviewed showed major problems. According to the regulator, Optdeck did not act fast enough when customers showed signs of risky gambling, even when some deposited thousands of euros in a single day. These warning signs were missed or ignored.

The regulator found that income checks were often done too late, after players had already lost a lot of money. Investigators said the company used weak measures, mainly short pop up messages that were easy to ignore. They also found that Optdeck used financial information that is not allowed, like company bank accounts, to approve personal gambling.

Ksa chair Michel Groothuizen said operators must step in quickly when customers show rapid or high risk spending. He added that all financial checks must be done properly, and that operators are only allowed to use approved financial documents when reviewing the source of a customer’s funds.

Unibet Out of Step With Betting Rules

The regulator found that Unibet was still offering banned bets in the Netherlands, including matches with players under 21 and events like corners and yellow cards. These bets are not allowed to protect fairness and young players.

The Ksa said 214 under-21 matches had these banned bets, including Wolverhampton vs. Southampton in October 2023 and Sunderland vs. Bristol City in February 2024. Even though Unibet said it removed all banned markets in December 2024, bets on corners and yellow cards were still offered during Chelsea vs. Manchester United on 15 May 2025.

The penalty was issued on 19 August and made public on 2 September.

Previous Warnings Add More Pressure

In June, the Ksa gave Optdeck two warnings for issues with advertising and autoplay features. One problem involved a Unibet-branded team coach used for the Dutch cycling team Unibet Tietema Rockets. The coach was only supposed to be used for transport in the Netherlands, but it was used in other ways, breaking the rules on untargeted gambling advertising.

Optdeck told the regulator it did not know the coach was being used outside its approved purpose. The company said it can be hard to monitor every part of a sponsorship agreement.