The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA), Kansspelautoriteit has finally shared details of a fine issued to JOI Gaming regarding the use of role models in its promotions for Jack's Racing Day 2023.
JOI Gaming offers online casino and sports betting products under brand names including 'Jack's Casino,' and it is accused of posting photos of role models at a promotional event on the Jack's Racing Day website and social media channels.
The issue was first revealed in July 2024, at which point it was revealed that the KSA had imposed an order subject to periodic penalty payments to end the violations of its licence.
This means that if JOI Gaming didn't comply, or repeated the infractions, it would be subject to penalty payments up to €1m ($1.18m).
It has now been confirmed by the KSA, that in fact, a fine was also imposed on the operator of €400,000.
This information took this long to come to light because JOI Gaming requested a preliminary injunction from the courts, which was granted in part.
The Netherlands enforces a number of strict rules on marketing around gambling, with a ban on role models being one of them.
It's generally considered that featuring well-known celebrities, sports stars, or online influencers in promotions may appeal unduly to children and other vulnerable groups.
The KSA has not revealed which role models appeared in the illicit promotions or whether they themselves faced any legal action.
In a separate case, JOI Gaming was fined €400,000 in the Netherlands at the start of 2023 for advertising messages directed at young people between 2021 and 2022.
The Netherlands' laws on role models in gambling advertising are looser when it comes to what's considered 'lower risk gambling' - lotteries come under this category
