The Dutch fiscal police and the watchdog of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (FIOD and ECD) have raided the offices of RTL and SBS to gather evidence in criminal proceedings that they are preparing against the broadcasters for breaking the Dutch gambling laws. Also, the offices of production companies 2WayTraffic and Endemol were searched.
In Holland, gambling, lotteries and other games of chance are illegal unless the organiser has a government issued licence. The call-in games are currently organised under an exception to the rule. A special code of conduct was set-up that specifies rules under which the games are allowed. Among other conditions, games have to be of a promotional character, and participants are only allowed to be charged the communication fee. Any amount above the actual communication cost is considered to be a bet. Betting remains illegal.
The Department of Justice has warned the broadcasters they are in breach of the regulations. The broadcasters dispute this and continue to air the gameshows. They could face fines of up to €670,000.