Dutch regulator issues warning to betting sites ahead of World Cup
The Dutch Gambling Authority has warned licensed betting operators that it will aggressively police advertising and sports betting activity during the FIFA World Cup, with regulators concerned another tournament betting surge could expose young adults to gambling harm.
In a formal letter sent to operators ahead of the tournament, the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) reminded companies that untargeted gambling advertising remains banned in the Netherlands, while restrictions on sports sponsorships also remain in force.
The regulator also reiterated that certain betting markets are prohibited under Dutch law, including wagers on yellow cards, first corner kicks and other micro-betting options popular with offshore bookmakers.
Ksa chairman Michel Groothuizen said betting activity spiked during both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, creating pressure on operators to aggressively pursue new customers during major sporting events.
“We saw at the 2022 World Cup and 2024 European Championship that gambling increased,” he said.
“This makes it attractive for companies to attract new players during that period. While I understand this, I strongly urge providers to remain mindful of the protection of young adults and other vulnerable groups, and to adhere to the applicable rules.
“If we observe that this is not happening, we will take immediate action.”
While licensed Dutch gambling sites face tighter restrictions, offshore betting sites are expected to remain highly active throughout the tournament, particularly around in-play and novelty betting markets unavailable locally.
For Dutch punters, the crackdown means fewer betting options with regulated bookmakers, stricter advertising visibility and potentially faster enforcement action against operators breaching Dutch gambling laws during the World Cup period.
The Dutch regulator actively blocks offshore gambling operators targeting the Dutch market, although it has been likened to playing whack-a-mole with the use of VPNs prevalent.
