The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has removed a total of 20 apps since the start of the year, with a crackdown on illegal gambling to continue.
The gambling authority is reported to be monitoring illegal gambling apps more closely, with some apps said to be disguised. It’s when the app is downloaded that it could then direct users to an unlicensed gambling platform.
According to the NL Times, the KSA is also targeting third parties that facilitate illegal activities.
A handful of hefty penalties have been handed out recently as the regulator enforces its crackdown.
Dutch KSA agency continues a crackdown and enforcement
This comes just a month after the KSA wrapped up a six-month investigation into illegal gambling advertisements appearing in mainstream media outlets.
It was discovered that a plethora of newspapers and magazines had been unknowingly promoting unlicensed online casinos. Due to the probe, the regulator reached out to 42 editorial teams to make them aware of the violations and urge immediate action.
In every case, the offending content was removed and the editors were informed with detailed guidance on how to avoid similar breaches going forward.
“The research shows that players can be misled into gambling outside Cruks without their knowledge,” the KSA said in a statement. “We urge players to always consult the Gambling Guide at Kansspelautoriteit.nl, which lists all licensed operators in the Netherlands.”
This fresh drive into tackling the issue of unregulated gambling was promised at the start of the year, with the Dutch agency publishing a Supervisory Agenda document. This highlighted it would be paying extra attention to minors and young adults, the implementation of the duty of care, the approach to illegal providers, and compliance with advertising rules.
It had also previously declared there had been too many violations of the advertising regulations and stated the monitoring of compliance will be further expanded. Additional guidance in the field of advertising will be created in the course of 2025 too.
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