Daily News: Bad times for Russians, Skrill and Neteller blocked accounts and PokerStars has frozen the accounts

The period to review applications for casino licenses in the Netherlands will end in April

In the Netherlands, the period for evaluating applications for a license to conduct online gambling from operators working in the country will last until April 1, 2022. Thus, the authorities enable irregular migrants to obtain official permission for business.

According to the Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA), this temporary measure is for companies that have specifically targeted Dutch consumers in their marketing efforts.

The Authority's intention is that this policy will support market formation in the long term. Operators that choose not to apply will have difficulty attracting new users. At the same time, most of the customers will play on sites that have received permits.

The review period was introduced in response to a proposal from a group of officials that read: “The government is requested to provide licenses to gambling operators who are actively and specifically targeting the Dutch market by operating here for at least two years, although they haven’t been authorized to operate yet."

Skrill and Neteller blocked accounts for Russian citizens

On March 09, 2021, 01:00 Moscow time Skrill and Neteller have banned Russian citizens from depositing and withdrawing money in accordance with international sanctions (as follows from the messages on their websites). With regard to citizens of the Republic of Belarus, payment systems introduced similar restrictions, but a little later. Tellingly, the message appeared on the websites of these payment systems just a few hours before the deadline. Customers didn't even get email notifications.

In addition, TransferWise/Wise closes accounts for Russian citizens.

From March 11, 2022, the availability of replenishment in EUR will be closed to citizens of the Russian Federation. From May 07, 2022, TransferWise/Wise blocks accounts for Russian citizens. The decision was made due to the political situation. Even earlier, a similar decision was made by the Lithuanian payment system Paysera.

PokerStars has frozen the accounts of Russian players for an indefinite period.

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There is every reason to suspect that 888 may soon do the same. Currently, 888 provide no deposit/withdrawal methods other than Muchbetter for Russian players.