Dutch Gambling Regulator to Raise Fine Imposed on Covid-19 Ads

Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling regulator, is going to increase the fines levied on igaming operators who use coronavirus pandemic to promote their products by at least €50,000. As a result, operators, affiliates and review sites, all would face a 25% increase in the current penalty, meaning the minimum fine would start at €250,000.

The regulator said it had noticed operators using Covid-19 to promote their offerings, using terms such as “Coronavrij gokken” (Corona-free gambling). Notices stating that games or prize draws must be cancelled, adjusted or postponed as a result of the pandemic would not be considered an advertisement.

iGaming remains illegal in the country, until the market opens for business from July 2021, after the Remote Gambling Act comes into force from 1 January. The new market will officially open on 1 July 2021.