Legislation News of the Week: Dutch Government to Ban Untargeted Gambling Ads, MGA Revokes 4tune-Software GmbH License

The Dutch government prohibits non-targeted gambling ads. 4tune-Software GmbH loses its MGA license. In the meantime, BetVictor's advertisement gets banned by ASA for attracting minors. The CEO of Veikkaus urges for a quicker transformation in the gambling system. And Betent, which is owned by Entain, receives a €400k fine in Holland.

No more untargeted gambling ads for Dutch players

The Dutch authorities have confirmed that they will implement a national ban on untargeted money-wagering advertising from July 1. Initially planned for January 1, the ban was delayed due to public consultations on the matter. 

The ban on television, radio, and public space adverts aims to shield vulnerable groups, mainly young people, from the dangers of high-risk gambling entertainment. Online ads, however, will remain but under strict conditions. 

Adverts for gambling must be targeted to individuals aged 24 or over, and operators must take measures to ensure that ads do not reach those who are underage. Consumers also have the option to opt out of these adverts.

BetVictor ad gets banned by ASA for appealing to under-18s

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has prohibited a BetVictor advertisement from being displayed on Facebook due to its excessive targeting of individuals under the age of 18. The advertisement showcased FC Barcelona's Spanish athletes Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, with accompanying text inquiring about the most underrated player at the club. 

The ASA found that BetVictor had violated the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) Code, which forbids gambling advertisements that excessively attract minors. BetVictor responded by arguing that Busquets and Alba were not prominent footballers in the United Kingdom and that the advertisement did not include any directives to bet.

Despite the operator's explanation, the Authority cited the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) policies that forbid non-UK elite football players from being featured in gambling advertisements.

4tune-Software is no longer an MGA licensee

4tune-Software GmbH has had its license reneged by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) due to its failure to pay regulatory fees. The license was revoked in accordance with the Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations of Malta, which grants the watchdog the right to withdraw the licensee for non-compliance with rules and regulations. 

The company's license has been rescinded, and it is no longer authorized to conduct any gaming activities under it. It must also pay all fees owed to the supervisory body. This comes after the regulator also revoked the license of Totup System for similar breaches.

Veikkaus CEO calls for faster change in the gambling system

Veikkaus commends Finland's gambling monopoly report which studied the state of the country's gambling market and found that 50% of gaming activity occurs on unlicensed sites. The report suggests that maintaining the current system is not recommended due to significant gambling disadvantages. 

Veikkaus CEO Olli Sarekoski welcomes the report and its conclusion, highlighting the offshore sector's size and supporting the implementation of a licensed system to enhance the country's channelization rates. 

The report presents two options for reform: decreasing the availability of illegal offerings or introducing a licensing model. The study suggests that a licensing system could improve the degree of channeling in iGaming compared to the current situation.

Entain-owned Betent fined €400k in Holland

The Dutch regulatory body de Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has fined Betent, the operator of the BetCity brand and owned by Entain, €400,000 for directing gambling promotion at young adults. 

Betent was found to have sent promotional announcements to users aged 18 to 24, a susceptible demographic, between October 2021 and March 2022, as determined by the KSA. 

The watchdog has imposed similar fines in recent months for similar breaches of the rules concerning young people being exposed to advertising. Betent acknowledged the ruling and welcomed the clarity it provided on the matter, as the language of the regulations was deemed unclear by the operator.

Source: Read Full Article