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711 BV has received a stern warning from Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch Gaming Authority, after its banner was found on a website for primary school homework assignments. This incident highlights the authority’s commitment to tackling operators that target underage audiences with inappropriate advertisements.
In a statement released last week, the KSA said it received a tip from a parent who found the operator’s banner on the homework site. The authority quickly launched an investigation, which showed that the advertisement was managed by an external partner not directly linked to 711 BV.
However, the KSA stressed that, even without a direct partnership, having the banner on that website broke the country’s gaming laws. These laws prohibit operators from advertising in places where vulnerable groups, especially minors, might see it. “This form of advertising is considered by the KSA to be very harmful and therefore a serious violation,” it noted.
711 Were Aware of the Trend
711 BV acknowledged to the KSA that it was already aware of this trend and was actively working to implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. However, the operator admitted it failed to report the situation to the KSA, which it was legally required to do.
The KSA decided to issue a warning rather than impose harsher penalties, recognizing that 711 had taken steps to address the violation. Nonetheless, the authority stressed that operators remain responsible for ensuring compliance with laws and regulations when outsourcing advertising.
“Incidents must also be reported immediately, regardless of whether an internal investigation is already underway. If violations occur in the field of advertising, the KSA can take enforcement action, even if an external partner is involved,” the KSA stated.
Gamusoft Also Receives Warning
Last week also saw the KSA take action against Gamusoft, issuing a formal warning that could lead to significant penalties if the company fails to comply. The Dutch Gaming Authority has ordered Gamusoft to halt its illegal offerings to players in the Netherlands, specifically targeting the site CSGOFast, which facilitates skin-gambling for the popular esports title Counter-Strike 2.
If Gamusoft does not cease these operations, it faces weekly fines of €280,000, potentially accumulating to a maximum of €840,000. The platform allows users to trade esports items and engage in games of chance, where players can wager real money on various outcomes. These items, commonly referred to as ‘skins,’ can be highly valuable, sometimes fetching hundreds of euros.
During its investigation, the KSA discovered that players in the Netherlands could easily create accounts and participate in these illegal gambling activities without any barriers in place.
Since Gamusoft lacks the necessary licenses to operate legally in the Netherlands, it is in violation of the country’s gambling laws. Also, this form of gambling may particularly attract younger audiences, raising further concerns for the authority.
The KSA’s swift action against both 711 BV and Gamusoft demonstrates its commitment to enforcing regulations and protecting vulnerable groups from harmful gambling practices.
Source: GamblingInsider
