KSA Probes Illegal Gaming Promotions in Online and Print Publications

Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has opened an investigation into illegal gambling site ads through online and print magazines and newspapers. This action comes after research conducted over the past six months revealed some publications were promoting illegal gambling sites. The study uncovered that the platforms included articles encouraging readers to play without Cruks, the Dutch self-exclusion register. The practice goes against the country’s gambling laws and poses significant risks to impressionable players.

An In-Depth Investigation

The KSA investigation uncovered more issues beyond direct links to rogue gambling sites. It discovered that publications used endorsements, logos, and images of Dutch banks to enhance the credibility of their recommendations.

The authority contacted 42 editorial offices that displayed such content and warned them of the repercussions. The links were successfully removed from several publications, and the affected platforms received information letters on how to avoid similar shortcomings in the future.

The KSA is no stranger to penalizing illegal gambling promotions. Earlier this month, it fined Sarah Eternal €900,000 (US$972,000) for providing online gambling through the unlicensed website Casinosky. An illegal poker tournament organizer was also slapped with a €110,000 fine after the authority raided such operations across Amsterdam, The Hague, and more.

A Significant Risk for Vulnerable Players

During its research, KSA discovered the significant harm posed by encouraging readers to play on gambling sites not linked with Cruks. This system lets players who feel at risk of gambling addiction self-exclude from the activity and cuts across all licensed platforms.

By encouraging players to visit unregulated websites not integrated into the Cruks system, magazines and newspapers are encouraging gambling in harmful conditions, especially for those trying to recover from the habit. KSA underscored that  illicit gambling sites are not subject to such laws and fail to offer the necessary protection for at-risk players.

Call for Caution

KSA advises the public to perform their due diligence and confirm the legitimacy of websites using the Gaming Guide. This resource lists all the licensed gaming providers in the Netherlands. The authority also continues to educate the masses on the risks of playing on rogue gambling sites, especially lacking the Cruks program. It is also starting to focus on autoplay features, which are prohibited in online gambling sites.