Dutch KSA Prohibits Influencers in Gambling Ads by March 2026

Dutch KSA Prohibits Influencers in Gambling Ads by March 2026

The Dutch regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has issued a definitive ban on the use of influencers, streamers, and bloggers in gambling advertising, with the rule taking effect on March 31, 2026. This decision impacts any public figures that audiences may wish to emulate or associate with, regardless of their follower count. The ruling is particularly stringent for streamers, prohibiting formats like game streams and referral links, which are seen to influence young adults aged 18 to 24.

Impact on the Industry

The ban has significant implications for affiliates, marketers, and compliance teams. Affiliate managers must revisit partnerships with streamers and bloggers to ensure compliance. Marketers need to evaluate whether their creatives pass the 'role model' test. Compliance teams face the responsibility of risk assessment and decision-making without the luxury of interpretative ambiguities.

KSA's Enforcement and Penalties

KSA is not issuing mere warnings: they are prepared to enforce these rules with substantial fines. Past actions include fines against JOI Gaming, LeoVegas, ComeOn, and Unibet, reaching up to €4 million for repeated violations. New fine scales starting in 2025 set penalties for advertising violations beginning at €25,000 and for systematic player protection failures from €250,000. Penalties for anti-money laundering violations can reach €2 million plus a share of turnover, with doubled fines for repeat offenses.

Next Steps for Operators

Operators are urged to audit collaborations with all public figures to ensure compliance before the deadline. Questions to consider include identifying any streamers in affiliate networks still active despite the ban, ensuring marketing creative passes the 'role model' criteria, and preparing to justify decisions to KSA if necessary. KSA offers no room for interpretative flexibility: any doubts are regarded as violations.

Source: igamingceo Telegram