Dutch gambling regulator finds only minor breaches of new sponsorship ban
The KSA says it has no complaints with clubs’ implementations of the ban
The Netherlands.- The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) says that the new ban on gambling sponsorship in sports took effect largely without any hitches after its introduction on July 1. It says that “virtually all public displays” of gambling sponsorship disappeared as ordered.
The regulator had warned that it would be focusing attention on monitoring the ban to ensure compliance, and advised that it expected operators not to circumvent the spirit of the law by seeking loopholes. It flagged up the case of the sponsorship ban in Belgium, where some clubs have replaced the logos of gambling operators with those of foundations or news portals run by the same companies.
Minor violations
The KSA says that in the first week after the ban took effect, it encountered several minor violations, such as the sale of merchandise bearing the gambling provider’s logo in sports club’s online shops. The providers in question received a warning letter requesting them to cease the violation within a week. The KSA said that if they fail to comply, it may take enforcement action, for example, by issuing a fine.
The regulator emphasised once again that gambling providers themselves are responsible for complying with the ban, even if the material is created by external parties.
The Netherlands’ ban on gambling sponsorship completes the phased prohibition of non-targeted advertising. The first phase, introduced on July 1, 2023, had banned gambling advertising on TV, radio, online media and in public places and buildings accessible to the public. Because long-term contracts often apply for sports sponsorship, a transitional arrangement was agreed to give clubs time to adapt. Since July 1, the sponsorship of athletes, teams of athletes, but also of clubs, leagues, shirts, and other (promotional) materials is no longer permitted.
