Dutch regulator warns over Covid-19 ads

The Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has warned online gaming operators over adverts that made use of the pandemic.

The Netherlands.- The Dutch regulator has issued 14 warnings to online gambling operators for using the current pandemic in ads promoting their products.

Although online gambling remains unregulated in Holland until next year, back in March Kansspelautoriteit told operators not to use the pandemic in advertising, introducing minimum penalties of €250,000 for operators that did not comply.

Ksa Chairman, René Jansen, also warned that if operators were found to have used the pandemic to promote gambling products, it could harm their chances of obtaining a licence in the future for when Holland’s regulated market opens.

The regulator says it has since issued warnings in 14 cases because of operators using phrases like “Coronavrij gokken” – Corona-free gambling – to promote online gambling products to Dutch players.

It said that in all cases the adverts were withdrawn after operators were warned they would face the financial penalty if the ads continued to run.  

iGaming operators could already face penalties for operating in Holland owing to the laws in place currently outlawing online gambling.

The Netherlands expects to open a regulated online gaming market next July, but Minister for Legal Protection, Sander Dekker, has admitted the launch could be delayed by several months if preparations are not ready owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.