Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands Gambling Authority, has ordered KOA online gambling licensees to improve the targeting of their online advertising campaigns.
The authority sent warnings to all 11 KOA licence holders explaining that ‘special attention must be paid’ to online campaigns to ensure that advertising messages are not seen ‘by vulnerable persons such as minors and young adults.’
An advertising sweep by KSA found that three licensed operators had displayed adverts on a ‘Donald Duck website‘, a teenage YouTube channel named ‘TeenTok’ and around Dutch family TV program ‘Marble Mania’, causing concerns over the welfare of minors.
KSA has issued formal warnings to the operators, stating that they must immediately prove to the regulator that they have made changes to their online advertising methods.
“Less serious deviations from the law were found at seven other providers: they too must take measures. With one provider, the KSA could limit itself to a recommendation,” KSA published in a statement.
KOA licensed incumbents were warned of their duties to upkeep advertising standards in which KSA ‘Safe Play’ messaging must be displayed across campaigns.
Launching the KOA Regime last October in a liberalisation of the Dutch online gaming market, the KSA noted that all licensees would be subject to strict regulation with regards to online advertising as part of its review into market standards and player protection provisions.
“The Gaming Authority keeps a close eye on advertising by gambling providers and takes enforcement action where necessary. New providers can also look forward to such treatment. Fines are not excluded if violations are found,” the authority summarised.
