The Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit, has issued a trio of warnings after untargeted advertising was witnessed in public places.
The regulator noted that “several providers” had violated the new advertising rules regarding online gambling that were introduced at the turn of July.
At the time of these entering into force, the Ksa had warned the industry “not to push the boundaries” regarding a prohibition that is intended to heighten protections for vulnerable groups against the risk of addiction.
However, following this, the receipt of “several signals” have been detailed by officials, which highlighted numerous examples, across billboards and bus shelters, from various unnamed online gambling providers that ads are still visible in public places.
In explaining the decision to issue a warning and not a fine, the Ksa noted that it had informed providers in advance of the new regulations coming into effect that it would take immediate enforcement action for any violations.
“After receiving the signals, the Ksa immediately requested information from the relevant gambling providers,” it was said
“Following the adequate responses and immediate action, the Ksa issues a warning. The advertisements were stopped after contact with the various providers and were no longer seen.”
The new rules saw advertising on TV and radio, as well as in newspapers and magazines, become outlawed.
Furthermore, ads in public places, such as billboards and bus shelters, and buildings accessible to the public, including casinos, slot machine arcades, cinemas and cafes, are also not permitted.
However, ads via the internet, direct mailing, on-demand TV, social media or in the online gaming environment remain permitted under strict conditions.
