Following a recent investigation that revealed certain newspapers were endorsing unauthorized igaming firms, the Dutch gambling authority Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) sent letters to newspaper editors nationwide.
The study, which was made public by KSA Tuesday, March 21, spanned six months. In reaction to complaints of such conduct, it concentrated on the advertising of illicit gambling websites in Dutch periodicals and online media.
According to KSA, the “broadest sense” of advertising was the main focus of their investigation. As a result, the regulator examined both conventional advertising and various types of promotion found in the media.
During its investigation, KSA discovered that articles in newspapers and magazines were referring to websites that were not listed with Cruks, the Netherlands’ national self-exclusion program. Alongside these articles, publications also included the logos and recommendations of illicit suppliers.
As a result, the research team of the regulator contacted certain publications. Throughout the investigation, KSA staff contacted 42 editorial offices and alerted them to the risks associated with these items.
Additionally, the research team was successful in getting all of the newspapers that had published the pieces to take down any affiliate websites that promoted their websites and any direct links to unregistered providers. KSA also sent letters to every newspaper and magazine with tips on how to stop future infractions.
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KSA warns against using Cruks on illicit gaming websites.
KSA discussed the risks of gambling on websites that are not affiliated with Cruks in its statement regarding the study.
Cruks integration is mandatory for all licensed websites in the Netherlands. This enables gamers to avoid spending more money by choosing to abstain from gaming for predetermined amounts of time.
Websites without a Dutch license, however, are exempt from these regulations. Therefore, according to KSA, advertising these businesses in periodicals and newspapers may put vulnerable gamers looking to resume gaming at greater risk of injury.
According to KSA, “players can take a break if they feel that their gambling behavior is out of control after registering with Cruks.” Nonetheless, our study demonstrates that gamers are occasionally motivated to engage in unlawful gambling and even play without Cruks without realizing it.
Therefore, aggressive marketing directed at this susceptible demographic is extremely detrimental. Players are not protected against problematic gambling or gambling addiction by illegal providers, who lack a license.
Reforming Dutch gaming regulations
The study was conducted during a period when the Netherlands was reforming its gambling laws. Stakeholders from the local sector gave the Dutch parliament their suggestions this week regarding the ongoing reform of the gambling statute.
A novel approach for selling gambling items based on their risk profile was developed by KSA, one of the attendees. Higher-risk items would be subject to more stringent advertising regulations as a result.
The regulator expressed concerns about Cruks as well, stating that it functions “poorly” in its current configuration. Instead, it has suggested extending the required absence time for athletes who were added to the list against their will.
The roundtable also discussed how the government need to be cracking down harder on illegal operators and criticizing the higher gaming tax rate.
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