After a warning from the Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, abbreviated as KSA), two Dutch influencers removed a YouTube video promoting an illegal casino.
Initially, the video was reviewed by the couple, who blurred the images showing the (illegal casino) website. However, the audio commentary praising the platform remained, leading to a second and final warning from KSA demanding the complete removal of the video.
The video has now been removed, but the authorities stated that "KSA can still impose fines or penalties if future violations are found."
KSA believes that such advertisements for illegal gambling sites target vulnerable groups, such as people on the Dutch self-exclusion register Cruks, because such illegal sites are not bound by the self-exclusion register. Recently, KSA upgraded Cruks' API to improve data control.
While some media outlets may not be aware of the legal status of the site, KSA points out that advertisers have a responsibility to check the licensing status of gambling sites. "If advertisers promote illegal offers, they themselves are at risk of being sanctioned," KSA states.
Recently, KSA urged the Sauber racing team and the Dutch Grand Prix to avoid advertising for the unlicensed operator Stake.com in the country. Stake became the naming partner of the Sauber team at the inception of the team, which now competes under the name Stake F1 Team.
KSA also recently issued a warning to one of its online licensees against non-targeted gambling advertising, following a TV advertisement featuring a football player wearing a shirt with the name of an online gambling provider.
