Dutch regulator finds 14 affiliates and news sites advertising unlicensed operators
Investigation into 33 affiliate and news sites found 14 platforms were promoting black-market operators to customers, including those who had previously self-excluded
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has found that several affiliate and news platforms have encouraged players, including those who had previously self-excluded, to gamble with illegal sites.
The regulator confirmed it had conducted two separate investigations into 33 affiliate and news websites after being alerted that some sites were targeting self-excluded players and others were allegedly taking advantage of the ban on untargeted advertising for legal operators in the market.
When investigating the sites pushing players to illegal operators, the KSA found four that were advertising illegal operators to customers registered on the country’s CRUKS self-exclusion system.
The KSA found that the black-market operators being advertised on the offending sites were tagged as non-CRUKS affiliated brands – potentially paving the way for self-excluded players into the illegal sector
The regulator then proceeded to attempt to contact the owners of the aforementioned sites, but with no response forthcoming, the KSA has initiated a follow-up investigation.
The second of the two investigations focused on the marketing of illegal sites following the ban on untargeted advertising that was brought into force in July 2023.
Under the new rules, advertising gambling on TV, radio and print publications is banned, as well as advertising in public spaces such as billboards and bus shelters.
Advertising in public building such as cinemas, arcades and cafes is also prohibited.
The KSA also received reports of affiliate platforms promoting illegal gambling sites.
The regulator found 10 affiliates displaying black-market operators. Five firms have since ceased advertising unlicensed operators following a proposed sanction decision but the investigation into the remaining five is still ongoing.
Seven illegal operators were found to be being advertised. The KSA has now begun various sanction processes against them. As well as these two investigations, the KSA contacted six online news sites by telephone and in writing to instruct them to cease advertising of illegal operators. All took immediate action and removed the ads from their respective sites.