In the Netherlands, more and more bingo events are being organised where money is involved. And this is not always legal. Some bingo nights are used to launder money. The organisers sometimes pretend it is ‘for a good cause’, but in the end the money does not go where they promised.
Online bingo is not always safe either. Websites without a licence can mislead players with extremely high prizes or they may not pay out your winnings. Online bingo can also be addictive: you can play again very quickly and it seems harmless because the stakes are low. But these small amounts can add up fast, especially if you play often. So be careful where you play, set limits for yourself and stop if it is no longer fun.
Do you want to know what can be behind the world of bingo? Listen to the podcast ‘Bingomaffia’. Here you will hear how criminal organisations make money through bingo and why it is not as harmless as it seems.
If you notice one or more of these things, it is an illegal bingo:
• A lot of money is asked for participation or the prizes are extremely high
• The organiser cannot show a licence or permission from the local authorities.
• You have to pay in cash and you don’t get a receipt or proof.
• It is kept secret who the organiser is.
• The bingo is held in an unusual place, such as a warehouse or a café without a licence.
A legal bingo always has a licence, clear rules, fair prizes, and is often intended for fun or a good cause, not to make a profit. Are you unsure if a bingo is legal? The Kansspelwijzer lists all providers with a licence.
