KSA Investigation Finds No Violations in Analyse Master Case
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has completed its investigation into the betting tip platform Analyse Master. No violations were found among licensed operators. However, KSA expressed concerns about the platform’s influence, particularly among young adults, who are more vulnerable to gambling addiction.
Background of the Investigation
In late 2024, the investigative platform Pointer published a report on Analyse Master and its associated Telegram channel. The platform provided sports betting tips and contained links to gambling operators. It was also promoted by various role models, a practice that is prohibited in the Netherlands for gambling advertisements. This prompted KSA to launch an investigation.
Findings and Operator Response
KSA interviewed two licensed operators mentioned on Analyse Master’s Telegram channel. One operator confirmed a past collaboration but voluntarily terminated it upon discovering that role models were being used for promotion. The other operator had purchased ad space on Telegram but had no direct partnership with Analyse Master. Upon realizing the association with role models and the targeting of young adults, this operator also ceased advertising on the channel.
According to KSA, both operators acted appropriately, and no violations were identified. The regulator reiterated that gambling companies remain responsible for their advertisements, even when outsourced to third parties. KSA also urged operators to monitor potential misuse of their brand on external platforms.
Limitations in Regulatory Action
Since Analyse Master itself is not a gambling operator, KSA has no direct authority to take enforcement action against the platform. KSA chairman Michel Groothuizen emphasized the regulatory gap:
“The current advertising bans apply specifically to gambling operators, not to third parties like Analyse Master. The promotion of sports betting among young adults on social media is an alarming and undesirable development, as this demographic is particularly vulnerable to gambling addiction. I welcome State Secretary Struycken’s recent commitment to revising advertising regulations, which would allow us to take direct action against such platforms.”