(AsiaGameHub) – The Netherlands’ gambling authority, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has intensified its oversight of advertising and sports betting in anticipation of this summer’s World Cup, issuing a warning to operators.
In a communication to Dutch license holders, the KSA reiterated the country’s strict regulations concerning advertising and sponsorships.
The authority has cautioned that any breaches of these rules will result in “immediate enforcement action.”
It is important to note that not all forms of online betting are permissible in the Netherlands. For instance, certain football betting markets, such as those related to the first corner kick and player bookings, are prohibited.
The KSA will also be focusing on initiatives to increase awareness of gambling risks among young people.
Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the Board at the KSA, stated: “We observed an increase in gambling during the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship.
“This period presents an attractive opportunity for companies to acquire new players. While I acknowledge this, I strongly urge providers to remain vigilant in protecting young adults and other vulnerable groups, and to comply with the applicable rules.
“Should we detect non-compliance, we will take immediate action.”
KSA champions regulatory enforcement
The increased scrutiny on gambling firms in the Netherlands contributed to a significant drop in online gaming revenues for 2025, which fell by 18.5% year-on-year. This decline followed a tax increase from 30.5% to 34.2% in January 2025, with the rate rising further this year to 37.8%.
The KSA has been among the most proactive regulatory bodies globally in addressing violations by gambling companies. This is evidenced by its imposition of a record €25 million (£22 million) fine on illegal operator Novatech, and warnings issued to TonyBet, Kansino, and Betcity for marketing regulation breaches.
The “Share your bet” feature, which enabled users to share their wagers on social media, has also been banned this year. Furthermore, European clubs were contacted regarding non-compliance with advertising rules in UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches involving Dutch teams.
This additional warning ahead of the World Cup, which is anticipated to attract a substantial number of both new and returning bettors, indicates the regulator’s commitment to intensifying its stringent crackdown on the Netherlands’ gambling market.
This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content.
AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.