Two Dutch influencers have removed a YouTube video promoting an illegal casino, following a warning from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). The influencers also indicated that they themselves were users of the site. The video, initially, was censored by the pair, with the influencers blurring images showing the website. However, audio commentary speaking positively of the platform remained, resulting in the KSA issuing a second and final warning to have the video removed altogether. The video has now been removed, though the authority stated that ‘if a violation is found in the future, the KSA can still impose a penalty or fine.’
The KSA reasons that such advertisements of illegal gambling sites target vulnerable people, such as those on the Dutch self-exclusion register, Cruks, as such illegal sites are not subject to the self-exclusion register. Recently, the KSA had Cruks’ API upgraded to improve data control. While it stands to reason that some media outlets may have been unaware of the legal status of a website, the KSA has pointed out that it is the responsibility of the advertiser to check the license status on a gambling site.
‘If an advertiser advertises illegal offers, they themselves run the risk of a sanction,’ the KSA stated. Recently, the KSA called for the Sauber racing team and Dutch Grand Prix to avoid advertising Stake.com, an unlicensed operator in the nation. Stake became the F1 title partner for Sauber at the start of the team, with the team now racing under the Stake F1 Team name.
The KSA also recently put out a warning against non-targeted gambling advertising to one of its online licensees, after a TV commercial was run featuring a football player wearing a shirt featuring the name of an online gambling provider.
