Gaming Authority is Fully Committed to the Sports Summer

June 15, 2024 | Sports Betting

The HAGUE, Netherlands (June 13, 2024) — Betting on the outcome of sports matches is popular. The Gaming Authority (Ksa) expects an increase in (online) bets and gambling advertisements this sports summer, including the UEFA European Football Championship for men (EC). The regulator will therefore work on the sports summer along three lines: prevention, supervision and enforcement.

Prevention: Don’t play games

Several major sporting events will take place this summer. The Ksa expects an increase in the amount of advertising and the number of bets. This could also lead to an increase in the number of sports bets by (young adult) players. That is why Loket Kansspel, in collaboration with the Gaming Authority, is launching the awareness campaign ‘ Don’t play games with your money ‘, financed by the Addiction Prevention Fund (Vpf). With this campaign, Loket Kansspel wants to better inform young people aged 18-24 about sports betting and make them aware of the associated risks. Young people are invited through various channels and media to take a test that provides a realistic insight into their own gambling behavior and, if necessary, refers them to Loket Kansspel.

Surveillance and enforcement

The Ksa is also stepping up this summer towards sports betting providers. Supervision of advertising and gambling offerings will be tightened. Earlier this month, licensed providers received a letter calling on them not to push the boundaries and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations with their advertising campaigns and game offerings. Immediate action will be taken in the event of violations. The Ksa is also intensifying its enforcement on illegal betting offers and advertising this sports summer.

Pilot blocking software

The start of the sports summer is also the start of a new pilot from the Vpf. Starting this week, players who contact Loket Kansspel will receive a free annual subscription to Gamban ‘s blocking software , with which they can block all online gambling websites worldwide for themselves on multiple devices. Loket Kansspel will offer the software free of charge for two years as part of the pilot.

Report

Although supervision of the gaming market is being tightened during this period, reports from citizens and companies are still very important. Reports can be submitted (anonymously) via the reporting form on www.kansspelautoriteit.nl . The Ksa uses the information to tackle (illegal) providers if necessary.

SOURCE: De Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa).