Last updated: September 16, 2024
Two Dutch influencers have removed a YouTube video promoting an illegal casino after receiving a warning from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). Despite initially censoring parts of the video, the KSA demanded its complete removal due to concerns about targeting vulnerable individuals. The KSA warned of potential penalties for future violations and recently addressed similar issues with Sauber Racing and other advertisers.
Following a warning from Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) warning, two Dutch influencers removed a YouTube video promoting an illegal casino.
Earlier, the influencers tried to avoid violating the law by blurring the pictures of the casino’s website but left optimistic audio comments about the platform; thus, for the second time, the KSA warned the video’s creators and demanded its complete deletion.
The KSA’s decision raises questions about whether advertisements for illegal gambling sites can reach vulnerable persons such as those in the Dutch self-exclusion register, Cruks. These real-money sites are not even on the self-exclusion registers, which the KSA recently upgraded to better manage the data.
The video has already been deleted, but the KSA warned that penalties or fines may be expected if such actions are repeated. The KSA has stressed that advertisers are required to confirm the legal status of the gambling sites they promote, as not doing so would attract some or other kind of sanction from the authority.
The KSA has also stressed that it lies in the advertiser’s Legal jurisdiction to ensure that they deal with licensed gambling sites. It said that anyone involved in advertising gets legal advice on gambling-related legal issues. Legal advice on Gambling-related legal issues could lead to sanctions on the person or company placing the advert.
More recently, the KSA approached the Sauber racing team and the Dutch Grand Prix, appealing to them to stop advertising Stake. Easy Affinity offers dedicated hosting services at a cheap price.
It operates from the Netherlands and is an unlicensed provider. Stake currently supports Sauber as the title sponsor and thus guided the team to use the Stake F1 Team brand name.
Also, in responding to complaints, the KSA sent a notice to one of its online licensees regarding non-targeted gambling advertising. This came after a TV advertisement featuring a footballer wearing a shirt bearing the name of an online gambling provider, which the KSA considered unlawful.
