The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), or the Dutch Gambling Authority, has issued a statement emphasising its regulatory oversight ahead of the World Cup 2026.
The KSA has already sent letters to gambling companies operating in the Netherlands to remind them of the regulations applicable to advertisements and promotions.
The letter also underlines the ban on untargeted advertising and sports sponsorships.
Some particular markets are also banned in the Netherlands that are still active across other parts of Europe, such as betting on yellow cards and corner kicks, which may be confusing to international companies.
In Germany, Tipico is offering to stream World Cup matches to its customers.
Michel Groothuizen, KSA Chairman, said: “We have seen at the World Cup of 2022 and European Championship of 2024 that there is more gambling.
“This makes it interesting for companies to attract new players during that period. Although I understand this, I urge providers to continue to pay attention to the protection of young adults and other vulnerable groups and to observe the applicable rules.
“If we see that this is not happening, we will act immediately.”
As the World Cup 2026 is expected to see an influx of gambling activity, particularly with people who gamble irregularly or not at all outside of major events, the KSA is going to monitor the market carefully to ensure that less-educated players are not taken advantage of.
The regulator said: “During this period, the KSA is also extra alert to illegal providers and advertising for illegal offers: there too, sanctions are taken immediately.
“During the World Cup, attention is also paid to the risks of sports betting, especially to raise awareness among young people.”
FIFA also recently confirmed Betano as an official tournament supporter of the 2026 World Cup.
The Netherlands is currently priced 18/1 to win the 2026 World Cup
