Netherlands Bans Online Casino Sports Sponsorship

The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has set a final deadline of October 6, 2025 for removing all gambling sponsorship references. Since July 1, 2023, the Netherlands has prohibited the promotion of risky games of chance through sports and esports, yet operators and clubs continue to display logos and references online.

Changes Effective from July 1, 2025

Under the current law on risky games of chance advertising, licensed operators have been prohibited since July 2023 from using sports clubs, esports, and competitions to promote online gambling. This applies to:

• references to partnerships on operators’ websites
• sponsor logos or banners on sports and esports clubs’ pages
• outdated promotional materials still visible online

KSA notes that most operators have complied, but violations are still being detected more than two years after the ban took effect.

Operators’ Role and Responsibility

KSA emphasizes that licensed operators remain responsible for compliance, even if sponsorship mentions persist on external sources such as former partners’ websites or social media pages.

Types of Violations Highlighted by KSA

Guidelines for Hybrid Operators

KSA specifically addressed hybrid operators that operate both offline and online. Additional rules apply to them:

• Sponsorship is allowed only for promoting land-based casinos;
• There must be a clear distinction for consumers — advertising must not create confusion between online and offline offerings.

The regulator warned that it may take a stricter stance if operators fail to separate advertising formats properly.

What Happens After October 6

After October 6, KSA will begin enforcing sanctions, including fines and possible last onder dwangsom (penalty orders) against operators that fail to remove sponsorship references.

Companies, therefore, have until October 6 for a final opportunity to bring all advertising materials into full compliance.