KSA Wraps Up Investigation into Illegal Gambling Ads in Dutch Media

The Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has concluded a six-month investigation into the promotion of illegal gambling via magazines and online newspapers across the Netherlands.

The inquiry focused on advertisements that potentially exposed vulnerable individuals to unlicensed gambling operators, including those who are registered with the national self-exclusion programme, Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen(CRUKS). The KSA warned that such exposure can be “very harmful,” particularly when players believe they are engaging with legal, regulated services.

During the course of the investigation, the KSA research team personally contacted the editors of 42 media outlets. The authority stressed the risks and legal implications of promoting unlicensed gambling and successfully requested the immediate removal of links directing readers to illegal gambling platforms.

Following these direct interventions, all media organisations involved received a formal letter containing further guidance on how to avoid similar violations in the future.

The regulator stated that the investigation highlights how “players are sometimes seduced into illegal gambling and even playing without Cruks without realising it.” In light of this, the KSA has urged Dutch players to “always first consult the Gambling Guide on Kansspelautoriteit.nl,” where a full list of licensed and legal operators is maintained.

This investigation forms part of the KSA’s broader efforts to protect consumers and ensure only licensed operators are promoted within Dutch media.