KSA Issues Warning against Licensee for Untargeted TV Ads

In an effort to protect vulnerable groups such as young adults, the Netherlands implemented changes to non-targeted advertising of online gambling activities. The restrictions came into force last year in July, effectively prohibiting non-targeted iGaming advertising.

As of July 1 this year, the restriction was expanded to cover program and event sponsorships. In other words, the Netherlands effectively banned online gambling advertising on TV, radio and public spaces as such ads cannot be displayed in a manner that excludes vulnerable groups.

The Dutch Gaming Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), constantly monitors the gambling market in the country and ensures gambling operators follow the established rules. After a recent incident, the gambling watchdog issued a warning against one online gambling licensee that violated the country’s ban on non-targeted gambling advertising.

The KSA did not disclose the name of the brand that violated the untargeted advertisement ban. Still, the regulator explained that an advertisement that depicted a soccer player which was distributed on both TV and social media, included the name of an online gambling provider.

The soccer player’s t-shirt had the logo of the online gambling brand, which is why the advertisement was in breach of the regulations, as explained by the KSA. “Although the advertisement was not for the gambling provider itself, gambling providers are at all times responsible for expressions of their brand, even if they are shown by third parties with whom they have a sponsorship agreement,” wrote the Dutch Gaming Authority.

The Reprimanded Operator Took Immediate Action

In KSA’s recent statement, it reiterated that gambling operators are responsible for the advertisement of their products. This applies to sponsorships between iGaming services providers and sports teams.

Moreover, the Gaming Authority explained: “In sports sponsorship, it is important that there is a direct relationship between the mention of the provider, the practice of the sport and the place where the sport is practiced.”

The advertisement that was identified did not follow the requirements which is why the regulator issued a warning. Still, the gambling watchdog acknowledged that the licensee has taken proactive measures to ensure no further breaches.

The recent warning comes after recently, KSA’s new chair, Michel Groothuizen, vowed to continue fighting off the black market. He spoke during iGB Live last week in Amsterdam, highlighting the readiness of the gambling regulator to continue safeguarding the well-being of customers from the devastating impact of unregulated gambling.