The Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has reprimanded three providers for incidents involving sponsorship. Since 1 July 2024, there have been new rules regarding sponsorship. This means that sponsoring television programmes and events is no longer permitted. Until 1 July 2025, only sports sponsorship is permitted, after that it will no longer be permitted.

In sports sponsorship, providers may not target vulnerable groups, including minors and young adults. It is the responsibility of the gambling provider to adhere to these rules at all times, even if third parties are involved in the sponsorship. The Ksa saw this go wrong several times.

Incidents

One provider had a sponsorship contract with an organiser of a national event in the past. Despite the fact that this agreement had expired, the organisation continued to use the promotional materials that contained the provider’s name, while this was no longer allowed after July 1. After the warning from the KSA, the provider immediately had its logo removed from the promotional materials.

A second provider also went wrong in agreements with a third party. The provider sponsored a major sporting event. In the run-up to the tournament, children and young adults played sports at the location. As a result, the provider’s advertising expressions were also visible outside the sporting events, and moreover by a vulnerable target group. The KSA emphasised again that the provider itself is responsible for the sponsorship expressions and their visibility and should therefore have been alert to the fact that these were also visible outside the tournament.

The third provider had an issue in a sports webshop: T-shirts of a famous athlete were sold there with the provider’s logo on them, as shirt sponsor. These shirts were also available in children’s sizes, which meant the advertising was aimed at a vulnerable target group, which is not permitted. The provider took immediate action to ensure that the children’s sizes no longer carried the provider’s logo.

In these three cases, the KSA has once again explained the rules regarding sponsoring to the providers. In the event of a subsequent violation, the KSA may take enforcement action. It is up to the provider to make clear agreements with external parties. This includes the use of sponsor materials, the time at which sponsor messages are shown and the way in which they are distributed. In addition, it is also up to the provider to ensure that external parties adhere to these agreements.

Aviatrix, the groundbreaking crash game renowned for its unique engagement mechanics, is building new partnerships in Italy following the granting of a certificate in the country.

The Italian certificate enables Aviatrix to collaborate with operators regulated by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli, introducing casinos fans in Italy to the award-winning game for the first time.

Players at many of the biggest brands in Italy will soon be enjoying Aviatrix.

Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “We are excited to be bringing Aviatrix to players in Italy for the first time. This is a market where innovation and player engagement are highly valued, so we’re certain our product will be a great fit. And more than that, we have an opportunity to play a central role in one of Europe’s most vibrant online gaming cultures. We can’t wait to get started with operators in the country.”

Aviatrix is fast establishing itself as an important game in regulated jurisdictions, as it already is in emerging ones.

The NSW Government has made appointments to the board of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA), including a deputy chairperson and two new members.

Associate Professor Amelia Thorpe and Nicholas Nichles have been appointed following a rigorous public expression of interest selection process. Additionally, existing member Chris Honey has been appointed deputy chairperson.

ILGA is a statutory decision-maker responsible for a range of liquor, registered club and gaming machine regulatory functions including determining licensing and disciplinary matters.

The appointments follow the end of the term of appointment for outgoing deputy chairperson Sarah Dinning, and also fill vacancies that existed on the board.

Mr Honey, who was appointed a member of ILGA earlier in 2024, has been named deputy chairperson until the end of his current appointment term (11 February 2027).

Mr Honey has extensive experience in the advisory and restructuring field, including working extensively in highly regulated sectors.

Associate Professor Thorpe and Mr Nichles have both been appointed for four years commencing 6 November 2024.

Associate Prof Thorpe is with the Faculty of Law & Justice at the University of New South Wales and an Acting Commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court.

Mr Nichles was previously a Consul General and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for Australian Government agency Austrade, based in the US.

The new appointments bring the ILGA board membership to seven. The new appointments will join chairperson Caroline Lamb, new deputy chairperson Mr Honey and current members Cathie Armour, Jeffrey Loy APM and Dr Suzanne Craig.