Kansspelautoriteit has issued three warnings following the discovery of untargeted advertisements in public areas.
The regulator stated that “several” providers had violated new advertising rules for online gambling, which were introduced around the turn of July.
The Ksa warned the industry at the time that these laws came into effect “not to push boundaries” in regards to a prohibition intended to protect vulnerable groups from the danger of addiction.
Officials have detailed the “several” signals they received from unnamed online gaming providers. They also highlighted numerous examples of ads that are still visible on billboards and in bus shelters.
The Ksa explained that in explaining its decision to issue only a warning, and not a penalty, it noted that they had informed the providers well before the new regulations came into effect that any violation would be met with immediate enforcement.
The Ksa was quoted as saying: “After receiving the signal, the KSa immediately sought information from the gambling providers.”
The Ksa issued a warning after the Ksa received the appropriate responses and took immediate action. After contacting the providers, we stopped running these ads.
Advertising on radio and TV, as well in magazines and newspapers, was banned under the new rules.
Ads in public spaces, such as bus shelters and billboards, or buildings that are accessible to the general public, like casinos, slot machines arcades, cinemas, and cafes are also prohibited.
Nevertheless, advertising via the Internet, direct mail, on-demand television, social media, or online gaming environments remains permitted, but only under strict conditions.