Dutch gambling regulator warns of heightened gambling ad supervision during World Cup 2026
The KSA has advised Dutch gambling operators that it will be extra vigilant during the competition.
The Netherlands.- The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspeltoezicht (KSA) has warned that it intends to intensify its supervision of sports betting advertising and promotions during the FIFA World Cup 2026. It has written to all Dutch gambling licence holders to specifically remind them of the applicable rules regarding advertising and betting offers.
In the letter, the KSA points out, among other things, the ban on untargeted advertising introduced in 2023, and the ban on gambling sports sponsorship implemented last year.
The KSA also reminded providers that not all types of online sports betting are permitted in the Netherlands; for example, betting on who receives a yellow card or the first corner kick is not allowed. In the event of violations, the KSA intends to take immediate enforcement action.
In September of last year, the regulator fined Unibet €450,000 for offering unauthorised sports bets on several occasions between October 2022 and May 2025. These violations related to football bets on corner kicks and yellow cards, as well as bets on matches in which there were participants aged under 21.
The KSA said it intends to also be extra vigilant regarding illegal providers and advertising for illegal betting offerings during the World Cup. It said immediate punitive action is being taken in these cases as well. Additionally, during the World Cup, attention is being paid to the risks of sports betting, particularly to raise awareness among young people, it said.
Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the Board of the Gaming Authority said: “We saw at the 2022 World Cup and 2024 European Championship that gambling increased. This makes it attractive for companies to attract new players during that period.
“While I understand this, I strongly urge providers to remain mindful of the protection of young adults and other vulnerable groups, and to adhere to the applicable rules. If we observe that this is not happening, we will take immediate action.”
