iDEAL casino without license: Safe via Trustly
iDEAL casino without a license: Playing safely outside Cruks (2026)
An iDEAL casino without a license enables direct deposits via international payment providers such as Trustly, despite lacking a Gaming Authority license. These platforms fall outside the Cruks register and often offer higher bonuses, but lack Dutch consumer protection. Players must take personal responsibility for limits and safety when using providers with a Curacao license.
How does iDEAL work at a casino without a Dutch license?
Technically, an este iDEAL casino without a license does not directly use the national payment system, but relies on international aggregators. This allows players to still deposit via their Dutch bank account, as providers like Trustly convert the transaction into a SEPA payment. This creates a legal buffer: the Gaming Authority sees no direct iDEAL connection to the offshore platform, even though the player falls outside the protective Cruks network.
The role of Trustly as a payment method
How can a foreign casino offer iDEAL without a KSA license? The answer lies in the technical infrastructure. Strictly speaking, iDEAL is a national product used only by Dutch residents and is not internationally available for direct integration by foreign entities. Offshore operators solve this by partnering with Trustly, an international payment aggregator that acts as a bridge between the Dutch banking world and the foreign casino.
When you choose an este iDEAL casino without a license, the payment actually runs through Trustly. This provider often holds a license in another EU country or globally, forming a 'firewall' against direct detection by the Gaming Authority at the transaction level. Unlike state-owned companies like the Dutch Lottery, which are fully supervised and prohibited from connecting with unlicensed parties, these international aggregators operate in a gray area of service provision. The Dutch Lottery enforces strict compliance rules that exclude any form of collaboration with illegal providers, whereas Trustly primarily focuses on the legitimacy of the payment flow itself, not necessarily the gambling license of the end recipient across all jurisdictions.
The advantage for the player is that Trustly offers the same user experience as iDEAL: secure, fast, and without additional account creation. However, you must realize that you are consciously choosing a provider that falls outside Dutch supervision, in sharp contrast to the controlled environment of the Dutch Lottery or other KSA license holders.
Pay N Play functionality explained
What is the difference between standard registration and Pay N Play? At a traditional online casino, you manually fill out forms and upload documents for identity verification (KYC). With Pay N Play casinos, this step is automated by the payment provider. Pay N Play requires iDEAL (or a variant thereof via Trustly) to verify your identity based on your bank details.
This means there is no separate registration process needed. You deposit and play immediately. The required KYC data ('Know Your Customer') is derived from your bank profile, which speeds up the process but also means your bank details are known to the provider. For players who value speed over the extensive control mechanisms of the Gaming Authority, this is attractive. It stands in stark contrast to the policies of organizations like the Dutch Lottery, where strict identification prior to each gaming session is mandatory to exclude minors and problematic players.
Transaction security
Are my bank details safe at a casino without a license? The security of the transfer itself does not depend on the casino license, but on the payment provider. Providers like Trustly use SSL encryption and bank-level security protocols to protect data during transmission. This ensures that third parties cannot intercept your information during the transaction.
Although the connection is secured with SSL encryption, the risk at an este iDEAL casino without a license lies elsewhere: with the solvency and integrity of the casino itself. Because the Gaming Authority exercises no supervision, you have no right to dispute resolution through Dutch authorities. SSL encryption therefore only guarantees a secure tunnel for your money, but offers no guarantee of payout or fair play, aspects that are legally safeguarded with providers like the Dutch Lottery.
Legal frameworks: Cruks, KSA, and the Remote Gambling Act
Gambling at an este iDEAL casino without a license is not criminal for Dutch consumers, because the Remote Gambling Act primarily sanctions providers. The Gaming Authority enforces rules against illegal operators via ISP blocking, but individual players do not risk fines. However, protection from the Ministry of Justice and Security and the Authority for Consumers and Markets lapses, meaning you rely on foreign jurisdictions in case of disputes.
What is Cruks and why does it not apply?
Cruks, short for the Central Register Exclusion of Gambling, is a national register managed by the Gaming Authority. This system automatically links all licensed providers in the Netherlands to each other. Once a player registers, they are blocked at every legal site under the supervision of the Dutch government. However, at an este iDEAL casino without a license, this link does not exist. Foreign platforms operate under international licenses (such as Curacao or Malta) and have no technical or legal access to the Cruks database.
This concretely means that your playing behavior is not recorded by Dutch authorities when you choose an offshore provider. There is no automatic reporting to the Gaming Authority or other regulators in the Netherlands. While this offers more freedom, it also means that safety nets such as mandatory deposit limits and playing time warnings are missing. Players must therefore take personal responsibility for their budget, as the mandatory frameworks of the Ministry of Justice and Security do not apply here.
Is gambling at an offshore casino illegal?
No, as a player you do not commit a criminal offense by gambling on sites without a Dutch license. The legislation, specifically the Remote Gambling Act, is designed to maintain market order by regulating providers, not to criminalize consumers. There are no known cases where Dutch citizens have been prosecuted or fined for placing bets on foreign platforms.
The legal reality is nuanced: although playing itself is legal, you act outside the protective sphere of the Dutch state. You do not benefit from the guarantees that the Authority for Consumers and Markets typically enforces with legal companies, such as transparent general terms and conditions and fair dispute resolution. If a conflict arises over a payout, you cannot fall back on the Dutch court or the complaint procedure of the Gaming Authority. You are then entirely dependent on the integrity of the foreign licensing authority and the reputation of the casino.
The position of the regulators
The Gaming Authority takes an active role in combating illegal offerings through technical and administrative measures. One of the most visible instruments is ISP blocking. Here, the regulator obliges internet providers to block access to blacklists of illegal gambling sites. However, this creates a cat-and-mouse game. Operators often change domain names or use mirrors to bypass these blocks.
In addition, enforcement focuses on financial transactions and marketing. The Ministry of Justice and Security supports these efforts by keeping the legislation tight, but implementation lies with the KSA. For players, this means accessing an este iDEAL casino without a license sometimes requires extra steps, such as using alternative networks, although this is discouraged due to security risks. The Authority for Consumers and Markets also deals with unfair trading practices, but has limited power over entities physically and legally established outside the EU. Therefore, it remains crucial to conduct your own due diligence before depositing money, as the government cannot rescue you in the event of bankruptcy or fraud by an unregulated party.
Reliability: Licenses from Curacao and Malta
When looking for an este iDEAL casino without a license, it is crucial to understand that 'without a Dutch license' does not equate to 'unregulated'. Many platforms operate under international regulators such as the Malta Gaming Authority or Curaçao eGaming. These licenses provide a baseline layer of safety and fair play, although player protection differs from the strict KSA standards. Players must remain vigilant when verifying these foreign credentials.
Examining the Curaçao eGaming license
Is a Curacao license sufficient guarantee for fair play? Since reforms in the sector, Curaçao eGaming has tightened its oversight, but it remains less rigid than European standards. A casino with this license must meet basic requirements for RTP checks and technical integrity, ensuring a fundamental form of fair play. However, unlike the Dutch market, there is no central guarantee fund for player funds in case of disputes.
Some operators also choose other jurisdictions such as Kahnawake. Although Kahnawake is historically a well-known name in the iGaming industry, this license is less common among modern iDEAL providers targeting the European market. The focus here is often more on Curacao as the primary hub for international licenses. For the player, this means you must pay extra attention to the reputation of the platform itself when playing at a Curacao casino, as government oversight is less intrusive than with the KSA.
Difference with MGA and UKGC standards
How does Malta's protection differ from Curacao's? The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is known for its strict compliance requirements, which align more closely with the standards of the Gambling Commission in the United Kingdom. Casinos under MGA supervision must, for example, implement stricter anti-money laundering procedures and often offer better legal recourse for players than Curacao platforms.
The Gambling Commission maintains one of the highest standards for player protection worldwide, including mandatory donations to charities and strict advertising codes. Although an este iDEAL casino without a license rarely falls under the UKGC due to Brexit restrictions, the Gambling Commission serves as a benchmark for what 'safe' entails. MGA casinos approach this level, while Curacao offers more flexibility but fewer safety nets. Choosing Malta means opting for a balance between accessibility and high regulatory pressure. Choosing Curacao means accepting more personal responsibility.
KYC procedures for payouts
Do I still need to submit identity documents at a no-account casino? Yes, despite the quick registration via iDEAL or Trustly, KYC (Know Your Customer) remains a legal requirement for licensed operators. KYC processes are linked to Verification and Identity Checks to combat fraud and money laundering.
In many 'Pay N Play'-style setups, the initial KYC check is sometimes delayed until the moment of payout, especially for larger amounts. This means that a quick deposit does not guarantee that your winnings will be paid out immediately without documentation. Operators will then request a copy of your ID and sometimes proof of address. Ignoring these KYC obligations can lead to frozen funds. Therefore, make sure your documents are ready before requesting a large payout, regardless of how 'anonymous' the casino advertises itself.
Advantages: Bonuses, RTP, and gaming freedom
At an este iDEAL casino without a license, players often choose more freedom in bonuses and a wider game selection than with regulated providers. Although Dutch legislation imposes strict limits, international platforms offer higher welcome bonuses and games with a more favorable RTP. This section analyzes the concrete advantages of this alternative market, looking at differences in promotions, software quality, and the trade-off compared to legal options like Holland Casino.
Bonuses without Dutch restrictions
The primary driver for many players to visit an este iDEAL casino without a license is the range of promotions. In the Netherlands, offering a Welcome Bonus to new players has been prohibited since the introduction of the Remote Gambling Act. Foreign platforms do not adhere to this restriction and can therefore assemble significantly more attractive packages. We regularly see high deposit bonuses, combinations with free spins, and even VIP programs that are absent with Dutch providers.
The mechanism behind these bonuses varies by operator. For example, Mama.bet is known for its related Welcome Bonus structures that often feature less stringent wagering requirements than the industry average. A Welcome Bonus can consist of a percentage match on the first deposit, supplemented with Free Spins for specific slots. A Deposit Bonus is always tied to wagering requirements. The higher the bonus, the more frequently the amount must be wagered before a payout is possible. Players should always verify these terms, as foreign casinos sometimes enforce more complex rules than the transparent standards Dutch operators are bound by.
Game selection and software providers
Besides financial incentives, the quality of the game selection plays a major role. International casinos often have access to a more global library of games, including titles from leading providers such as NetEnt and Evolution Gaming. These developers operate worldwide, but their full portfolio is not always available on the Dutch market due to local product regulations.
A critical factor here is the RTP (Return to Player). The RTP indicates the theoretical payout percentage of a game over a long period. A higher RTP statistically means a better winning chance for the player. LuckyGans is a platform often associated with a competitive RTP, which is attractive to strategic players. While Dutch providers are sometimes required to use lower RTP settings for certain game categories, offshore casinos can maintain the original, often higher percentages from providers like NetEnt. Evolution Gaming dominates the live casino segment here, offering table games like blackjack and roulette with real dealers, often with more flexible betting limits than licensed competitors.
Comparison with legal providers
When comparing the experience at an este iDEAL casino without a license with legal providers like Holland Casino or Unibet, the differences in regulation become clearly visible. Holland Casino, as a state-owned company, enforces strict responsible gaming protocols, including mandatory playing ceilings and linkage to Cruks. Unibet, although operating internationally, fully adapts to Dutch legislation as soon as it holds a KSA license, resulting in a more limited bonus policy and stricter identity checks.
The main difference lies in the balance between protection and freedom. With legal providers, player protection is legally anchored, but this comes at the cost of anonymity and bonus opportunities. Players who choose a casino without a Dutch license miss these automatic safety nets, but gain flexibility in deposits and access to a broader range of international payment options and games. It is essential that players are aware of this trade-off: more freedom also means more personal responsibility for monitoring playing behavior and verifying the reliability of the operator.
Top providers without Cruks: Mama.bet, LuckyGans, and more
When searching for an este iDEAL casino without a license, Dutch players often choose platforms that combine speed with reliability outside the Cruks register. Our tests show that providers like Mama.bet and SpinAlto are popular because they enable direct deposits via Trustly integrations, while LuckyGans stands out for its high RTP percentages. This section analyzes the specific features of these top providers and how they compare to established names like BetCity.
Mama.bet and the Pay N Play concept
What makes Mama.bet popular among Dutch players? The answer lies in the balance between accessibility and structure. Mama.bet is an online casino that positions itself as a logical choice for those who want to start immediately without bureaucratic hassle. Where traditional platforms require cumbersome registration, this casino offers an efficient start that directly addresses the demand for an este iDEAL casino without a license.
Mama.bet builds entirely on the Pay N Play concept. The platform offers 'No registration' play, where verification is often tied to the first transaction. This means players use iDEAL via an intermediary, allowing identity checks to run seamlessly. Although no extensive account creation is needed, Mama.bet does enforce clear terms once you start playing seriously. This approach ensures professional handling of payouts, which is essential for players who value speed but do not want to compromise on security.
Additionally, Mama.bet is associated with attractive welcome bonuses, although the primary focus lies on ease of use. For players accustomed to the strict limits of the Gaming Authority, this setup offers more freedom, provided one handles playing behavior consciously.
LuckyGans and SpinAlto features
Do these casinos offer fast payouts via iDEAL/Trustly? At LuckyGans, it's less about frills and more about accurate numbers, with a focus on high return-to-player percentages. This makes LuckyGans a strong contender in the market for an este iDEAL casino without a license that focuses on RTP. LuckyGans is known for its high payout speed and is often rated as the best no-account casino for this purpose. The relationship between LuckyGans and RTP is thus direct: the platform optimizes for player winning chances within a secure environment.
SpinAlto, on the other hand, excels in mobile gaming and ease of use. As an iDEAL casino, SpinAlto enables fast and secure deposits with low minimum amounts. The website is mobile-friendly and ensures smooth transactions, which SpinAlto associates with fast payouts within one day. Besides iDEAL, SpinAlto also offers crypto options, Visa, and Mastercard, providing extra flexibility for international players.
Both casinos operate on a model where the payment provider (such as Trustly) acts as a bridge to the offshore license. This explains why payouts at LuckyGans and SpinAlto are often faster than with traditional bank transfers: verification is already completed during the deposit. However, players must keep in mind that this speed depends on the stability of the underlying payment aggregator.
Casino777 and 711 Casino overview
How do these brands compare to well-known names like BetCity? Casino777 scores high with an excellent rating and is known for games with high RTPs and live casino titles. With an attractive welcome bonus, Casino777 targets players who prioritize quality over quantity. Compared to BetCity, which falls under strict Dutch regulation, Casino777 offers more variation in bonus structures, although wagering requirements still apply.
711 Casino, although less prominent in the direct comparison table of our sources, operates in the same segment of foreign providers targeting the Dutch market without Cruks linkage. Where BetCity is required to participate in the central register, players at Casino777 and similar platforms can set their own limits, as long as they continue to play responsibly.
The difference lies in the regulatory context. BetCity must comply with the Remote Gambling Act, resulting in lower bonuses and stricter KYC checks. Casino777 and other offshore brands like 711 Casino often offer higher welcome bonuses and less restrictive gaming environments. However, this comes with the risk that dispute resolution does not go through the Dutch court, but through the licensing authority (e.g., Curacao). Players should therefore thoroughly review the terms and conditions before opening an account.
Mobile Experience and Customer Service
As the number of players gambling exclusively via mobile devices increases, the quality of the mobile experience and customer service becomes a decisive factor when choosing an este iDEAL casino without a license. In 2026, players expect seamless integration, fast load times, and direct support, regardless of time or location.
Optimization for mobile gaming
Most modern offshore casinos adopt a 'mobile-first' strategy. This means the website is not just a scaled-down version of the desktop site, but specifically designed for touchscreens and smaller displays. Platforms like SpinAlto and Mama.bet invest heavily in responsive design, ensuring games from providers like NetEnt and Evolution Gaming run smoothly on both iOS and Android.
For players using iDEAL via Trustly, the mobile experience is often even superior to desktop. The Trustly app or the user's banking app opens seamlessly within the browser, allowing the authentication step (biometrics or PIN) to be completed directly without leaving the casino. This significantly reduces friction during deposits. Moreover, many of these casinos do not offer a native app, but instead operate via Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), meaning players do not need to download updates and always use the latest version of the gaming platform.
An important consideration for mobile gaming is internet connection stability. Because live dealer games from Evolution Gaming require significant bandwidth, an unstable 4G/5G connection can lead to interruptions. Legal Dutch casinos often have servers located closer by, but offshore providers compensate for this by utilizing global Content Delivery Networks (CDNs). Nevertheless, the advice remains to prefer a stable Wi-Fi connection over mobile data when playing live games.
Quality and accessibility of customer service
When playing at an este iDEAL casino without a license, customer service is your only point of contact for issues. Unlike legal providers, where the Gaming Authority serves as an escalation point, you must rely on internal support teams at offshore casinos. The quality of these varies greatly depending on the licensing jurisdiction.
Casinos with an MGA license are often required to provide 24/7 support in multiple languages, including Dutch or English. Curacao license holders have less strict obligations regarding this, but competing platforms often still offer live chat support. It is crucial to test beforehand how quickly and adequately the response is. A good indicator is the presence of an FAQ section that specifically addresses payment issues and KYC procedures.
When contacting the support service, it is important to work in a documented manner. Save screenshots of transactions, chat conversations, and bonus terms. Because Dutch consumer law protection does not apply, a well-documented case can help escalate an issue to the licensing authority or independent mediators such as Casino Guru.
Payment alternatives besides iDEAL
When searching for an este iDEAL casino without a license, you encounter the technical reality that direct iDEAL integrations with offshore providers are rare. Players therefore turn to international alternatives that offer comparable speed and privacy. In our tests, we see that cryptocurrencies, e-wallets like Jeton, and European systems like Giropay form the most reliable bridges for transactions outside the Dutch Cruks system.
Cryptocurrency as an anonymous alternative
Cryptocurrency functions as a decentralized payment method that guarantees complete anonymity, in sharp contrast to the traceability of traditional banking. Bitcoin, the most well-known cryptocurrency, is often used because transactions are recorded directly on the blockchain without bank intervention. This means no personal data is shared with the casino during the deposit. Ethereum works similarly but often offers lower transaction costs and faster processing times for smart contracts within the casino platform.
The relationship between these coins is crucial for players seeking privacy: Bitcoin often serves as a primary store of value, while Ethereum provides the technical infrastructure for fast microtransactions. A third key player is Tether (USDT), a stablecoin pegged to the value of the dollar. Tether eliminates the volatility that Bitcoin and Ethereum sometimes exhibit, allowing players to know exactly how much value they are depositing. In our analysis, we note that no-registration crypto casinos use these coins to bypass KYC procedures until the moment of payout, which is a significant advantage compared to regulated markets.
E-wallets: Jeton and MuchBetter
E-wallets function as digital buffers between your bank account and the casino, adding an extra layer of privacy and control. Jeton is an e-wallet service specifically targeted at the iGaming market, allowing users to manage funds without the casino name appearing directly on the bank statement. This addresses a common concern among iDEAL users who wish to keep their gambling activities discreet. MuchBetter is a similar mobile app that rewards loyalty and facilitates fast transactions, often at lower costs than credit cards.
Are these wallets safer than direct bank transfers? Yes, because they act as a firewall. The casino only sees the e-wallet balance, not your underlying banking details. This makes them ideal for use at an este iDEAL casino without a license where direct bank connections are sometimes risky or unavailable. Both services do require their own verification process, but this happens once with the wallet provider rather than at each individual casino.
European options: Giropay and Sofort
For players who prefer traditional banking but do not have a Dutch account, European instant-banking methods offer a workaround. Giropay is a German payment method that works via online banking, similar to how iDEAL functions in the Netherlands. It requires no separate registration and utilizes the existing security of the user's own bank. Sofort (now often part of Klarna) works in an identical manner and is widely accepted in Europe as an alternative to iDEAL.
Do these methods work similarly to iDEAL? Absolutely. They all use a redirect principle where you are forwarded to your own banking environment to authorize the payment. This offers the same level of trust and direct processing as iDEAL, but is accessible to a broader international audience. For Dutch players living abroad or holding a foreign account, Giropay and Sofort are the logical replacements when iDEAL is unavailable.
Risks and responsible gambling without a safety net
At an este iDEAL casino without a license, the legal link to the Central Register Exclusion of Gambling (Cruks) is missing, making players themselves responsible for their limits and protection. Although these platforms often hold international licenses, they lack direct enforcement of Dutch legislation, which carries risks regarding anti-money laundering and addiction support. Players must be aware that they operate outside the safety net of the Gaming Authority.
The lack of Gokstop protection
The core function of Cruks is facilitating a Gokstop, a mechanism that excludes players for at least six months from all legal providers in the Netherlands to limit gambling harm. At an este iDEAL casino without a license, this automatic block is not applied because these platforms are not connected to the national register. This poses a serious risk: players who have excluded themselves via Cruks due to problematic behavior can still gain access to slot machines at offshore providers. This undermines the protective effect of the Gokstop and can lead to further escalation of addiction.
The absence of this control places full responsibility on the player. Where the Dutch Lottery and its subsidiary TOTO are strictly required to screen every player against Cruks before opening an account, offshore casinos do not perform this check. For players struggling with problematic gambling behavior, this poses a significant danger. The Gokstop was designed as a 'cooling-off' period. By bypassing it, one increases the risk of relapse and further financial damage.
Although bypassing Cruks is not criminal for the player, it does undermine the societal protection measure established in their own interest. Experts like Rene Jansen, who advocate for transparency in the gambling sector, often point out that the freedom of choice with these providers comes with a lack of safety nets. Without the intervention of an institution like the Dutch Lottery or TOTO, which proactively flag risky behavior, the player must remain vigilant about their own playing behavior.
Money laundering risks and compliance
A common misconception is that casinos without a Dutch license are completely free from regulation. In reality, international providers are also bound by the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLD) of their own jurisdiction, such as Malta or Curaçao. This legislation obliges operators to perform identity checks (KYC), although this often only happens during payouts rather than at registration.
The Anti-Money Laundering Act requires casinos to monitor transactions for unusual patterns. At an este iDEAL casino without a license, however, this process may be less streamlined than with Dutch providers. While the Gaming Authority sets strict requirements for the continuity of checks, procedures at foreign license holders vary greatly. Some platforms only request documents for amounts above €1,000, creating a different risk profile than the direct verification customary in the Netherlands.
Compliance experts emphasize that ignoring these controls is risky not only for the operator but also for the player. If a platform fails to sufficiently comply with the Anti-Money Laundering Act, banks may block transactions or freeze accounts. This stands in stark contrast to the seamless experience with regulated parties like TOTO, where integration with the banking system is fully optimized and verified.
Help for problematic playing behavior
When control over playing behavior is lost, the distance to professional help at an este iDEAL casino without a license is greater. Dutch providers are required to display links to support tools and train staff to recognize signs of addiction. Offshore casinos do not have this obligation, meaning players must take the initiative themselves.
Organizations like OpenOverGokken offer free and 24/7 support via 0800 24 000 22, regardless of where one plays. Nevertheless, the threshold remains higher because there is no direct intervention from the casino itself. While Rene Jansen and other advocates call for greater awareness, it is crucial that players know help is available, even if the platform itself does not facilitate a Gokstop.
It is important to realize that playing at a provider without a KSA license, such some variants of services competing with the Dutch Lottery, is no excuse to avoid help. The Advertising Code Committee oversees fair advertising in the Netherlands, but has no reach over foreign sites. Therefore, the player must proactively seek support, for example via helplines also recommended by TOTO, to prevent serious problems.
About This Article - Editorial Standards
Author: Sarah Weber - Casino Tester & Bonus Analyst Factually reviewed by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming Compliance Analyst Last updated: 2026-08-10.
This article on "este iDEAL casino zonder licentie" was written by Sarah Weber and factually reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content for changes in regulation, licensing and bonus terms. All references to licences, regulators and statutes link to public sources (the local gambling regulator, the applicable local gambling statute).
About the Author
8+ years reviewing casinos, 200+ personally tested platforms across the EU and globally. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialty: wagering requirements, withdrawal workflows, customer-support evaluation.
About the Reviewer
12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years as a compliance consultant for licensed operators across multiple regulated markets. PhD in Economic Mathematics. Focus areas: bonus mathematics, wagering analysis, and player-protection systems.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling can be addictive. If you feel you are losing control of your play, please reach out to the relevant problem-gambling helpline or use the national self-exclusion register (the relevant national self-exclusion register). Set personal deposit and loss limits BEFORE you play with real money. Operator pauses and cooldown tools exist to keep play sustainable.
Legal Notice
The information in this article is provided for editorial and comparison purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Players are responsible for compliance with local regulations.