The Hague authorities find illegal gambling at Schilderswijk restaurant
Enforcement & compliance2 min read
Authorities in The Hague found illegal gambling at a restaurant in the Schilderswijk during a joint inspection on 5 November 2026. The municipality said a first finding under its enforcement policy prompts a warning; repeated violations can lead to temporary closure and, ultimately, permit revocation. Inspectors also identified hygiene problems at the restaurant.
Inspectors found illegal gambling at a restaurant in The Hague's Schilderswijk district during a joint enforcement operation on 5 November 2026. The municipality, police, fire service, tax authority and partner agencies took part.
The Hague's enforcement policy calls for a warning on a first finding of illegal gambling, with repeat violations potentially resulting in temporary closure and eventual permit revocation. The KSA can take action against illegal gambling providers, while municipalities can act against hospitality businesses involved.
Inspectors found hygiene problems at the restaurant, including black frying oil and chicken stored without refrigeration, the municipality said. Police reported the issues to the Dutch food and consumer product safety authority.
Police closed another café during the operation because its manager was under the influence of drugs. That café was not linked to the gambling activity.
The operation was the 157th joint enforcement action in the Schilderswijk police station area. The agencies visited cafés, coffee houses and other premises where criminal networks may gather, according to the municipality.
In February 2026, the KSA and The Hague Economic Intervention Team acted against illegal gambling at a commercial property where a poker tournament was being held. The intervention team's manager said the tournament was professionally organised. One person was arrested during the raid for possessing a stun weapon.
During an inspection in November 2025, illegal gambling was suspected at three cafés. At one of them, €1,000 in hidden cash was found and gaming machine rules had been breached.
Police and the KSA found a screened gambling room with cameras during a hospitality inspection in The Hague in February 2024. Several people were playing with cards and money. The players had to put their cards and the money on the table before being questioned separately.