Dutch gambling regulator clarifies far-reaching extent of ban on influencer advertising
The KSA has stressed that bloggers, streamers and online influencers are covered by the ban on using role models in gambling advertising.
The Netherlands.- The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has provided further clarification on the implementation of the ban on the use of role models in gambling advertising in the Netherlands. It has stressed that the ban on the use of role models in advertising online extends to influencers, streamers and other online personalities.
The ban on role models was implemented to better protect vulnerable groups, such as young adults, the KSA said. However, it noted that providers were not always clear about whether or not someone was covered ban. The regulator has subsequently provided further elaboration.
In a letter to Dutch online gaming licence holders, the KSA has stated that influencers, streamers, and other similar online personalities fall under the role model ban because people (primarily minors and young adults) want to identify with or associate with them. Therefore, they may not, under any circumstances, be used to promote or advertise online games of chance. Gambling providers have been urged to end any collaborations in this area as soon as possible.
Crucially, the ban is not limited to streamers or influencers known to a wider audience. Any individual with a public profile can be considered a role modes if their reach is large enough to be attractive for recruitment and advertising purposes. That includes all influencers, bloggers, vloggers and streamers.
Last week, the KSA raised concerns about the ”romanticisation” of gambling after a survey found that 24 per cent of Dutch people indicate that people in their social circle consider gambling normal behaviour.
The research found that more men consider gambling to be normal than women do (32 per cent compared to 16 per cent). One in five Dutch people (18 per cent) say they regularly hear that gambling is a convenient way to make money quickly.
