Bubble Group BV, trading as gaming developer Sheriff Gaming, has had its Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) licence suspended pending a regulatory hearing.
The AGCC inquiry was prompted to act following an investigation into the three executives behind the company by the Dutch Prosecuting Authority, Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelauthoriteit and Dutch Tax Authority.
Michel Gregoire, Maurice Gregoire and Stijn Flapper were being investigated for alleged involvement in the operation of seven online gambling websites that targeted Dutch residents without a licence, which the local authorities forbid.
Sheriff Gaming is now required to immediately suspend its operations until the suspension notice is cancelled following the outcome of the hearing – which is scheduled for October 29 at London’s Royal Automobile Club.
Dutch authorities have been clamping down on illegal authorities by handing out heavy fines. Earlier this week, Kansspelautoriteit fined online gaming provider Global Stars €100,000 ($132,000) for targeting consumers in the Netherlands without a licence to operate in the country.
The watchdog hoped that the fine would represent “a clear signal to businesses and consumers”. Jan Suyver, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Kansspelautoriteit, said, “It is of social importance that consumers are informed and warned that if they participate in online gambling there are risks… and I expect this decision to have a preventive impact on other companies and individuals.”
