Apple drops gambling apps in Netherlands

Technology giant Apple has removed a host of online casino and betting mobile applications from its App Store in the Netherlands, following a request from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) national regulatory body.

In a statement on its website, the KSA said a total of 55 apps had been dropped from the App Store, including services from the like of bwin.party and Unibet.

The apps were only being offered through the App Store, with rival firm Google opting not to make the services available on its Google Play store.

The KSA said the apps offer services that are banned in the Netherlands, with the country yet to introduce legislation that would enable licensed operators to offer their products.

Once passed by the upper house of parliament, the legislation would open up the Dutch state monopoly to the private sector, with changes expected to go through before 2018.

The regulator said that by removing the apps from the App Store, it has been able to prevent at least 10,000 illegal downloads.

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