KSA warns gaming operators before the World Cup

The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has encouraged operators in the Netherlands to promote the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar responsibly.

The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has encouraged operators in the Netherlands to promote the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar responsibly.

The authority published a letter to licensees that repeated the sentiments of Minister of Gambling Policy Franc Weerwind during a House of Representatives debate, in which he urged suppliers of chance-based games to exercise caution regarding advertising during the athletic event.

Since internet gambling became legal in the Netherlands on October 1, 2021, there has been a proliferation of gambling-related commercials, leading to the drafting of legislation to prohibit untargeted advertising for high-risk games of chance.

René Jansen, chairman of the KSA, issued the following statement in response to the letter: “The image of the gambling sector and individual gambling companies is not very good. The bombardment of advertising after the opening of the legal market did not help.

“I hope that lesson has been learned. The aim of legalising online games of chance was to create a safe environment for people who want to participate in games of chance online.

"Some form of advertising is necessary to draw attention to the legal offer. But gambling companies need to realise that another tidal wave of advertising is counterproductive.”

In addition, the KSA reminded the public that, as of 30 June 2022, well-known Dutch individuals are barred from appearing in gambling marketing efforts, and that advertising that targets vulnerable groups, such as young adults or minors, is strictly prohibited.

By fLEXI tEAM