Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands Gambling Authority has warned KOA online gambling licensees to drastically improve the targeting of their online advertising campaigns. 

This morning, the authority notified that it had sent warnings to all 11 KOA licence holders citing that ‘special attention must be paid’ to online campaigns to ensure that advertising messages are not seen ‘by vulnerable persons such as minors and young adults.’

An advertising sweep by KSA found that 3 licensed operators had displayed  advertisements on a ‘Donald Duck website‘, a teenage YouTube channel named ‘TeenTok’ and around Dutch family TV program  ‘Marble Mania’.

KSA has issued formal warnings to the unnamed operators, who must immediately prove to the regulator that they have adjusted their advertising policies.

“Less serious deviations from the law were found at seven other providers: they too must take measures. With one provider, the KSA could limit itself to a recommendation.” – KSA noted.

KOA licensed incumbents were warned of their duties to upkeep advertising standard in which KSA ‘Safe Play’ messaging must be displayed across campaigns.

Upon the launch of the KOA Regime on 1 October 2021, KSA warned new licensees that their advertising practices would be closely examined as a core criteria of its regulatory review of market standards and protections following the liberalisation of the online gambling marketplace.

“The Gaming Authority keeps a close eye on advertising by gambling providers and takes enforcement action where necessary. New providers can also look forward to such a treatment. Fines are not excluded if violations are found.” KSA concluded.