KSA Warns New PM About Gambling Advertising Ban

Dutch gambling regulator KSA has warned new Prime Minister Rob Jetten that proposed restrictions on gambling advertising could backfire and push more players toward illegal operators.

Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the Kansspelautoriteit, sent a letter to Jetten’s coalition government addressing two key policy areas where regulator and cabinet may clash. While the KSA supports protecting vulnerable people and fighting illegal gambling, it raised concerns about a proposed online advertising ban and limits on license numbers.

The coalition wants to strengthen duty of care requirements and crack down harder on illegal sites. Groothuizen said the KSA stands ready to help. “On the main goals, protecting the vulnerable and fighting illegality, there is no difference between the goals of the cabinet and those of us as a supervisor,” he wrote.

However, the advertising ban concerns the regulator. Groothuizen noted that most gambling promotions Dutch consumers see online come from unlicensed operators. KSA monitoring found only 2,000 of 60,000 monthly gambling advertisements on Facebook and Instagram originated from legal providers.

“There is no reason to assume there will be less advertising in a market with five providers than if there are 25, or that the number of players is decreasing,” Groothuizen stated. He warned that banning legal advertising would mainly hurt licensed operators while tech platforms remain slow to remove illegal content.

Jetten took office following snap elections after the previous cabinet collapsed. The new government inherited unfinished gambling reforms including stricter deposit limits and advertising scrutiny.

Claudia Van Bruggen recently joined as Secretary for Legal Protections and will handle the gambling portfolio. Groothuizen ended his letter positively, wishing the new government “a lot of wisdom” and confirming the regulator stands ready to work together on shared goals.