Dutch Gambling Authority ramps ups financial penalty for ‘corona-free’ gambling ads
Regulator to increase fines by €50,000 in wake of illegal advertising by operators
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has said any operator found to be illegally advertising ‘corona-free gambling’ will instantly have its regulatory penalty increased by €50,000.
At present, penalties for offering illegal online gambling in the Netherlands start at €200,000 but can increase based on the seriousness of the offence.
Advertisers, affiliate networks, review websites and land-based casino operators will be also subject to the new penalties.
The decision to raise penalties payable comes after the KSA received several complaints of online operators showcasing ads with the terms ‘corona-free’ earlier this week.
Online gambling advertising by operators without a licence is currently illegal in the Netherlands, and the Dutch Gambling Act states all ads must be made ‘carefully’ and in a non-offensive way.
The KSA has said that operator notices regarding cancellation, adjustment or changes to current games of chance due to coronavirus do not count as commercial advertisements and are exempt.
Earlier this year, the Dutch government rejected legislation imposing tobacco-style restrictions on gambling ads for online operators once the market launches in July 2021.
However, a proposed pre-watershed gambling ad ban, stopping all gambling ads between 6am and 9pm, was adopted by the Dutch government into secondary legislation governing the market.