The Kansspelautoriteit (the Netherlands’ gambling regulator) announced that it had imposed a heavy fine on Hillside New Media Malta for operating in the country as a Bet365 business. Friday’s announcement included details about the EUR400,000 (or $373,600) regulatory fine against the operator. The KSA announced the sanction Friday, claiming that the operator had violated rules governing advertising to young adults.
Advertising targeting young adults aged 18-24 years old is against the Dutch regulations. This law prohibits gambling operators from advertising to this audience, as they are still young and inexperienced. This restriction is primarily because young adults are more likely to develop a gambling addiction.
“The brains and abilities of young people are still being developed. They are therefore more susceptible to gambling addiction. “Gaming providers must respect the rules to protect vulnerable groups.”
A statement from the KSA
After Hillside’s operations were investigated by the KSA, the KSA has issued a new fine. The regulator stated that young adults aged 18-24 who registered with Hillside between October 26 2021 and February 1 2022 were targeted with advertisements offering bonuses. The KSA stated that such interactions were prohibited, and it imposed a EUR400,000 (373,600) penalty. The regulator also noted that this was the third penalty imposed on an operator for advertising to young people.
“The KSA discovered that Hillside had directed advertising and bonus offers to young adults (18-24 years old) who registered with Hillside between October 26, 2021 and February 1, 2022. This is forbidden. This is the third penalty for permit holders advertising to young people.”
The KSA was explained
The KSA is Busy
Hillside was hit with the latest fine. This comes just weeks after Gammix was subject to another financial sanction by the KSA. The regulator stated that the company provided its services to Dutch customers but did not have the required license. The operator was allowed to rectify the situation, but this breach occurred last year. Gammix failed to take any remedial actions and was fined EUR4,410,000 ($4.7 Million) by the KSA.
The KSA had previously announced fines against five operators exceeding $27 million. After discovering that operators were offering their services to the Dutch market without a license, the regulator announced that it had issued a fine.
