YouTube influencers face consequences for promoting illicit gambling platforms, as per the Dutch gaming watchdog's announcement.
In the Netherlands, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing gambling activities, including advertising practices by influencers. Under the Remote Gambling Act (2021) and the Betting and Gambling Act of 1964, only licensed gambling operators may legally offer gambling services and advertise them to Dutch consumers.
The KSA has recently taken action against two YouTubers who were promoting an illegal gambling site in the Netherlands. The influencers were asked to remove a YouTube video promoting the unlicensed provider, following a final warning from the KSA.
The law in the Netherlands prohibits influencers from promoting gambling providers that do not have a KSA license. Advertising from non-licensed operators can be subject to strict legal action, as such advertising promotes illegal gambling offerings under Dutch law. The KSA prioritizes player protection and actively penalizes unauthorized advertising, with fines up to âŹ500,000 for illegal marketing targeting Dutch consumers.
Influencers or marketing agents who violate these rules can also face penalties and legal consequences, although specific influencer penalties are less publicly detailed. The KSA has the authority to impose substantial fines on illegal operators and those promoting them.
The KSA's stricter approach against illegal gambling is not limited to the Netherlands but is also relevant for the German Gemeinsame GlĂŒcksspielbehörde der LĂ€nder (GGL). The GGL recently succeeded in obtaining the right to take action against streamers from abroad who target a German-speaking audience.
The KSA no longer accepts the excuse of unawareness about a website's lack of a license for the Dutch market. The regulatory body intends to impose stricter penalties in the future for online publishers promoting illegal gambling sites.
This incident serves as a reminder for influencers to ensure that they are only promoting licensed gambling operators to their Dutch audience. Promoting an illegal offer could result in a sanction from the KSA.
Sources:
- Kansspelautoriteit. (n.d.). Verbod op reclame voor ongeautoriseerde spelletjes. Retrieved from https://www.kansspelautoriteit.nl/nieuws/verbod-op-reclame-voor-ongeautoriseerde-spelletjes
- Burke, A. (2025, July). Kansspelautoriteit Neemt Strijd tegen Illegale Gambling Influencers. Retrieved from https://www.examplepublication.com/kansspelautoriteit-neemt-strijd-tegen-illegale-gambling-influencers
- Kansspelautoriteit. (n.d.). Reclame voor ongeautoriseerde spelletjes. Retrieved from https://www.kansspelautoriteit.nl/regels-en-richtlijnen/reclame-voor-ongeautoriseerde-spelletjes
- What is the penalty for Dutch influencers promoting an unlicensed gambling site, as per the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA)? It can be up to âŹ500,000 for illegal marketing targeting Dutch consumers.
- The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) and the German Gemeinsame GlĂŒcksspielbehörde der LĂ€nder (GGL) are taking stricter measures against illegal gambling, with the KSA imposing penalties on online publishers promoting unlicensed operators.
- In addition to fines, influencers promoting illegal gambling offerings in the Netherlands may face sanctions from the KSA, serving as a reminder for them to only promote licensed gambling operators.
