Kansspelautoriteit Steps Up Action Against Illegal Gambling Apps
The Dutch Gaming Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), is increasing its actions against unlicensed gambling operations and black-market activity.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Furthermore, the regulator has issued a warning to licensed operators about using public figures who could appeal to minors in advertising campaigns.
KSA Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling Apps
KSA announced that it has increased its monitoring efforts of illegal gambling apps and platforms promoting unauthorized gambling websites. Since the start of the year, the authority has successfully removed 20 illegal apps from major app stores and it has promised to continue its enforcement push.
The authority has expressed concern over the growing prevalence of these illegal apps and said that many are being marketed through social media platforms and are easily accessible to underage users. Adding to the issue, several apps falsely present themselves using logos and branding that mimic those of legitimate providers. In one case, an app improperly featured the Holland Casino logo, while others disguised themselves as casual games before redirecting users to unauthorized gambling sites.
Social media and other apps are often used to promote these illegal services. Kansspelautoriteit cited an example where players looking for the popular game Candy Crush were prompted to download an unlicensed gambling app called Plinko.
To help stop the spread of these dangerous apps, the KSA has asked the public to report any suspicious gambling content they come across in the App Store or Google Play Store.
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Regulator Warns Over Celebrity Endorsement Violations
Alongside its crackdown on unlicensed platforms, the KSA has also addressed a recent advertising violation. Hotel Gaming Services BV, the company behind the Circus Gran Casino arcades, was warned for using celebrities and role models that could appeal to younger demographics.
The violation involved a promotional campaign featuring professional athletes from a Limburg ice hockey team. The players appeared in the ad wearing their uniforms and playing inside the arcade. The commercial also included a congratulatory message celebrating the team’s recent tournament win.
The casino arcade complied with the regulator’s inquiry and removed the promotional content shortly after being contacted.
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