KSA ‘extra alert’ to World Cup betting rule violations as three operators warned

The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch Gambling Authority, has issued warnings against three operators for violations of licence requirements.

With the early stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup underway, the KSA revealed that two operators were offering ‘prohibited bets’ in the build-up to the tournament, namely wagering on yellow cards.

Although a popular stats betting market in more established online markets such as the UK, betting on the number of cards shown in a football match is banned under Dutch legislation.

The KSA explained betting on card numbers is banned under the Netherlands’ KOA Act gambling framework ‘because such bets are sensitive to match fixing’. 

Additionally, another operator was found to have violated the ban on the use of role models, an enforcement which was implemented earlier this year. 

In the year since the adoption of the KOA Act, which re-regulated the Dutch online gambling space, politicians in the country have become increasingly vocal on the topic of advertising. 

Coming into force in June, the ban prevents companies from using public figures well-known to younger demographics, such as sports stars and social media influencers, in marketing and advertising.

The company in question wanted by the KSA had sponsored an event where ‘well-known Dutch people’ were involved in advertising, and the brand’s logo was shown. 

“The name or logo of a gambling company cannot be in the same communication as the image, voice or name of a role model,” the KSA explained.

“On Thursday, November 14, the company was summoned to stop this immediately, otherwise an order subject to periodic penalty payments would be imposed. That turned out not to be necessary.”

The KSA explained that upon receiving notification from the authority, all three companies ceased violating the rules – but concluded that it would remain ‘extra alert to violations of laws and regulations’ during the World Cup.

Additionally, recognising that betting engagement often increases around World Cups, the KSA has also implemented a new campaign encouraging customers to ‘check what kind of player they are’.

“The reason for the campaign is the Football World Cup in Qatar that started last weekend,” the Authority’s announcement read.

“The aim of the campaign, which is mainly aimed at young people aged 18-25, is to raise awareness of the subject of gambling and the risks involved.

Before the World Cup, KSA Chair Rene Jansen cautioned operators to avoid a ‘bombardment of advertising’, as politicians have referred to it, citing the potential for further political clampdowns on betting regulated.

Notably, Minister of Justice Franc Weerwind has been particularly vigilant about the increased prevalence of gambling advertising in the Netherlands. 

The Minister has previously stated that there has been a ‘sharp increase’ in betting and gaming marketing since the KOA Act came into force on 1 October 2021.

In response to this, the government has taken additional steps following June’s role model ban – ‘non-targeted advertising’ will be prohibited on 1 January 2023, and sports sponsorships will be phased out by 2025.