A sports betting tipster, Analyse Master, has raised the eyebrows of Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling regulator. After an investigation, it has exonerated two licensees of wrongdoing.
Dutch rules around gambling advertising are extremely restrictive. It’s banned in print, on TV, and on the radio. However, targeted advertising through social media, gambling websites, mail, and streaming services is still permitted. What is heavily regulated and banned outright is the use of “role models”. Famous people cannot be spokespeople for gambling businesses, as it’s seen as influencing individuals.
Analyse Master operates a website and social media channels. One of its most popular is Telegram, the private and encrypted chat app. Part of the KSA’s concern surrounds the decision to promote gambling through “role models”. During the investigation, it was found that two parties had partnered with Analyse Master to collaborate.
However, after studying and talking with them, it was found one had “quit it on its own initiative”. The other had also split with Analyse Master, with one of the major reasons being “association with role models and focusing on young adults”.
The KSA has effectively commended the two companies and has found no violations. It reiterates that “providers are responsible for their advertising, even if they are purchased from or by an external partner.”
KSA can’t go after Analyse Master
However, Analyse Master hasn’t been reprimanded in any capacity, as the KSA cannot enforce anything on it. Due to it not being a game provider and essentially just being a tipster, the KSA cannot go after it any further, even if they are providing condemned advertising.
Speaking in the post on KSA’s website, Chairman of the Board Michel Groothuizen said, “The current advertising bans apply specifically to gambling providers and not to third parties such as Analysis Master.
“The fact that there are social media channels that promote sports betting among young adults is a very undesirable and worrisome development because young adults are vulnerable and prone to gambling addiction.
“I am pleased that State Secretary Struycken, in his recent vision of games of chance, has also announced that they want to adjust the advertising rules so that we as a supervisor can also actively take action against these types of parties.”
