The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling authority, has intensified its efforts to combat illegal gambling advertisements.
This crackdown focuses on both traditional and digital platforms promoting unlicensed gambling services.
Some of the points that can be looked after because of the authority is taking on the sites are:
Targeting Affiliates: The KSA has targeted affiliate websites that promote illegal gambling, taking actions against several sites that direct users to unlicensed platforms, including casinos that operate without proper authorization.
These affiliates have been found violating Dutch gambling laws by linking to illegal gambling operators.
Crackdown on Publications: In addition to targeting digital affiliates, the KSA has contacted editors of Dutch magazines and newspapers, urging them to stop accepting advertisements for illegal gambling services.
Following these communications, many media outlets removed such ads from their publications.
Self-Exclusion Violations: One significant concern is the promotion of illegal gambling to individuals who are self-excluded through the Netherlands’ CRUKS (Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen) system.
The KSA is particularly focused on preventing ads from reaching these vulnerable individuals, who have voluntarily opted out of gambling.
Legal Actions: The KSA has issued cease-and-desist orders to hosting services, such as DigitalOcean, demanding that they sever ties with illegal gambling sites using their servers.
This step is part of a broader strategy to dismantle the infrastructure supporting illegal gambling activities.
The KSA’s actions reflect its commitment to protecting consumers and maintaining a regulated and safe gambling environment in the Netherlands.
These efforts are designed to ensure that all gambling activities adhere to Dutch laws, which prohibit illegal gambling advertisements and promotions.
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling authority, has intensified efforts to combat illegal online gambling by targeting affiliate marketing websites that promote unlicensed gambling platforms.
In 2024, the KSA conducted investigations into 33 such websites, resulting in actions against 14 due to violations.