TonyBet Receives Warning from KSA
On August 12, TonyBet received a warning from the Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) for offering betting markets on the winner of the Ballon d’Or and the Best Player of the FIFA Club World Cup — both prohibited in the Netherlands because the outcome is decided by a jury rather than by sporting results.
Reason for the Warning
The Dutch regulator stated that TonyBet had offered prohibited betting options, including:
- Winner of the Ballon d’Or award
- Best Player of the FIFA Club World Cup (“Golden Ball” of the tournament)
Such bets do not comply with Dutch gambling regulations, as the results are based on voting or jury decisions rather than objective sporting performance.
Requirements for Legal Sports Betting in the Netherlands
According to Dutch law, licensed operators may only offer sports bets if several conditions are met:
| Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Objective outcome | The result must be verified by official statistics |
| Recognized organization | The competition must be organized by a recognized national or international sports body |
| Verifiability | The outcome must be measurable and based on sporting actions |
TonyBet’s Response
In discussions with the regulator, TonyBet stated that no actual bets had been placed on the disputed markets. The company also pledged to monitor its sportsbook platform more carefully in the future.
Operator Responsibility
The KSA reminded operators that they are fully responsible for their betting offer, even if it is provided through third parties. Repeat violations may lead to tougher enforcement actions.
KSA’s Position
The regulator emphasized that it has limited its action to a warning at this stage. However, it stressed that if prohibited markets are identified in the future, operators must notify the KSA immediately.
Key Takeaways
- Bets on awards decided by voting are prohibited in the Netherlands
- Operators must filter betting lines, even if provided by partners
- Violations may lead to sanctions, including fines and license revocation
Conclusion
The TonyBet case shows that the KSA closely monitors betting markets and responds quickly to violations. For operators, this is a clear signal to thoroughly review all available betting options to avoid regulatory issues.