The Netherlands Crusade Against Unauthorized Online Casinos
Saudi Arabia tightens control over illicit casino advertisements in Dutch media outlets
In the Netherlands, the Dutch gambling regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has completed a half-year operation targeting newspapers advertising illegal online casinos on their online platforms. The focus was on gambling sites not affiliated with the Dutch self-exclusion platform, Cruks, which were being promoted through various media outlets.
The KSA's research team contacted 42 editors to inform them about the potential risks of publicizing these unauthorized sites. The regulator stated, "This research indicates that players are sometimes lured into illicit gambling without even realizing it."
Guarding Players and Securing Compliance
The KSA highlighted the importance of players consulting the Gambling Guide on Kansspelautoriteit.nl before engaging in online gambling activities. This resource features a comprehensive list of licensed providers authorized to provide gambling services in the Netherlands. By using this guide, players can safely avoid illegal operators that lack necessary player protection measures.
The investigation's scope extended beyond direct links to illegal providers to include the use of brand recommendations, logos, and images of Dutch banks. Upon receiving contact, editors promptly removed links to illegal gambling sites and received guidance on preventing future violations.
Concerns Over Tipster Site and Youth Exposure
Recently, the KSA also undertook an investigation into the sports betting tipster site, Analyse Master. Despite no direct violations being found, the regulator expressed concerns over its popularity among the younger demographic, who are more prone to gambling addiction.
Commenting on the issue, KSA chair, Michel Groothuizen, stated, "The widespread practice of promoting sports betting among young adults on social media channels is a concerning and undesirable trend, as young adults are more susceptible to gambling addiction."
Future Regulatory Steps
The KSA anticipates potential changes in advertising rules, as outlined by State Secretary Struycken in his recent vision on gambling. These modifications would empower the regulatory authority to take stronger measures against third-party promoters of gambling services. This action will further improve player protection and Industry oversight.
Behind the Scene: Enhancing Regulation and Player Protection
Here are the underlying advancements in the Netherlands regarding unauthorized online casinos and player protection:
Regulatory Measures:
- Blocking of Illegal Apps – The KSA has intensified efforts to block illegal gambling apps, taking down 20 such apps from app stores in 2025. These apps frequently target vulnerable individuals and are accessible to minors, often employing deceptive methods like camouflaging with licensed providers' logos[1][4].
- Responsible Gaming Policy – The KSA has introduced new responsible gaming standards, including deposit limits, which have led to a substantial reduction in extreme player losses. This policy was implemented in October 2024 and has shown positive outcomes[2][3].
- Penalty Orders – The KSA has issued penalty orders to operators offering unlicensed services. For instance, it ordered Gamusoft to cease operations targeting the Dutch market for offering betting services without a license, threatening a hefty penalty if compliance is not adhered to[5].
Player Protection:
- Enhanced Supervision – The KSA is actively raising awareness of illegal operators and encouraging consumers to report suspicious activities. This includes alerting the public about the tactics used by these operators, such as promoting non-gambling games that redirect to illegal gambling sites[1].
- Protection of Vulnerable Groups – Efforts are dedicated to preventing minors and vulnerable individuals from accessing gambling services. The regulator notes that illegal apps and websites often circumvent age verification and other protective measures.[1]
- The KSA's investigations revealed that some unauthorized online casinos, like Analyse Master, are often popular among youth, increasing the risks of gambling addiction.
- The regulator is planning to impose stricter advertising rules to combat third-party promoters of gambling services, particularly those that are unauthorized.
- In the Netherlands, the KSA has implemented deposit limits as part of its responsible gaming policy, aiming to reduce extreme player losses and ensure a safer gambling environment.
