Dutch Regulator Warns Newspapers Against Promoting Illegal Gambling Sites

KSA Finds Unlicensed Operators Featured in Dutch Media

The Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, KSA) has formally addressed newspaper and magazine editors across the country following the results of a six-month investigation. The study, disclosed on March 21, revealed that several publications had either directly or indirectly promoted online gambling platforms operating without a Dutch license.

The research responded to reports of illegal advertising and examined a broad range of promotional activities—beyond standard advertisements. This included editorial mentions, embedded logos, recommendations, and links leading readers to unregulated websites.

Some of these platforms were not connected to Cruks, the Netherlands’ central self-exclusion register, which all licensed gambling operators must integrate with. As a result, players exposed to such promotions may inadvertently access gambling services that lack responsible gambling safeguards.

42 Editorial Offices Contacted, Links Ordered Removed

Over the course of the investigation, KSA contacted 42 editorial offices, cautioning them about the risks associated with featuring unlicensed operators. The regulator also requested the removal of any links leading to illegal gambling sites or affiliate pages promoting them. All publications were subsequently provided with guidelines on how to avoid similar violations in the future.

In its communication, the regulator emphasized the broader consequences of unlicensed promotion.

“Registration with Cruks allows players to take a break if they feel that they no longer have their gambling behaviour under control. However, this research proves players are sometimes tempted to gamble illegally and even to play without Cruks without realising it”, the KSA said.

The authority highlighted that operators without a Dutch license are not obligated to support responsible gambling measures. This creates a significant risk, particularly for vulnerable individuals attempting to self-exclude.

“Illegal providers do not have a licence and do not protect players against problematic gambling or gambling addiction,” KSA warned.

The findings reinforce the importance of media responsibility in minimizing exposure to unregulated gambling content, particularly during a period of broader regulatory change.

Gambling Reform Discussions Intensify in the Netherlands

KSA’s actions follow recent developments in Dutch gambling policy. Earlier this week, a roundtable discussion in parliament brought together key stakeholders—including the KSA—to debate updates to the Netherlands’ gambling legislation.

One of the proposals from the regulator included a risk-based model for gambling advertising, in which high-risk products would be subject to stricter promotional restrictions. The KSA also criticized the current functionality of Cruks, suggesting the system does not serve vulnerable players effectively. It proposed introducing a longer mandatory exclusion period for individuals added involuntarily to the register.

Alongside these discussions, concerns were raised about the rising gambling tax rate and the perceived need for stronger enforcement against unlicensed operators.