(AsiaGameHub) – The Dutch gaming authority, KSA, has notified operators in the country that it will increase its oversight during the tournament.
The Netherlands.- The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspeltoezicht (KSA), has warned that it plans to step up its monitoring of sports betting advertising and promotional activities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It has written to all licensed operators in the Netherlands to remind them of the current regulations governing marketing and betting options.
In the letter, the KSA highlighted several key restrictions, including the 2023 ban on untargeted marketing and the prohibition of sports sponsorships by gambling companies enacted last year.
The regulator also cautioned operators that certain online sports wagers remain prohibited in the Netherlands, such as betting on the first corner kick or which player will receive a yellow card. The KSA warned that any infractions will result in swift regulatory action.
Last September, the authority imposed a €450,000 fine on Unibet for repeatedly offering unapproved sports wagers between October 2022 and May 2025. The breaches involved football wagers on corner kicks and yellow cards, alongside bets placed on games featuring participants aged under 21.
The KSA stated that it also intends to be highly vigilant regarding illegal providers and the promotion of unlicensed betting services during the tournament, promising immediate punitive action against violators. Furthermore, efforts will be made during the World Cup to highlight the dangers of sports gambling, with a focus on educating youth, the regulator noted.
Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the Board of the Gaming Authority, remarked: “We observed a rise in gambling activities during both the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship. Consequently, operators find this period highly lucrative for acquiring new customers.
“Although this business motivation is clear, I urge all operators to prioritize safeguarding young adults and vulnerable individuals, and to strictly follow the established regulations. We will not hesitate to intervene immediately if we detect any non-compliance.”
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