Dutch regulator reinforces ban on online gambling ads

Advertisement promoting unregulated gambling services in Netherland is prohibited.

The Netherlands’ Gaming Regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has published a guidance note that warns gambling operators that advertising can only promote regulated gambling services to Dutch residents.

And since the Dutch government’s plans to regulate the online gambling market are unlikely to come into effect until 2017, it means that ads on online gambling is illegal. For now, the rules would greatly benefit land-based operators, pending the opening of the online gambling market.

“Since advertising has to lead to legal offers, it is now illegal to advertise online gambling,” KSA said in the note. “Advertising that serves to generate a favorable impression of a particular online gaming business is also not permitted.”