iGaming Operators Banned from Sports Sponsorship in the Netherlands
Starting July 1, the country will enforce a full ban on the sponsorship of sports events, teams, and athletes by the gambling sector.
The Dutch gambling regulator KSA has sent an official warning to all operators regarding increased oversight.
End of the Transition Period
On July 1, 2025, the two-year transition period — introduced following the ban on untargeted gambling ads on July 1, 2023 — will come to an end.
The new phase includes a full ban on:
- sponsorship of sports teams;
- gambling operators supporting individual athletes;
- placing logos on sports uniforms and broadcasts;
- any other sports advertising related to gambling.
What the Ban Includes
According to the new law, sponsorship agreements between iGaming operators and any sports entities — whether athletes, competitions, or leagues — will be prohibited. This also applies to:
| Type of Sponsorship | Status from July 1, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Team uniforms with operator logos | Prohibited |
| Advertising in stadiums and arenas | Prohibited |
| Support for individual athletes | Prohibited |
| Operator participation in sports promotions | Prohibited |
Reasons for the Crackdown
KSA emphasizes the goal — to protect youth and vulnerable groups from the influence of gambling advertising. The aim is to prevent engagement through intrusive promotional activity in the sports environment.
KSA Chair Michel Groothuizen stated:
“This law is designed to protect young people and other vulnerable groups. It does so by eliminating their exposure to gambling advertising — regardless of the source of such advertising.”
Strict Control and KSA Measures
The regulator emphasized that it will strictly suppress attempts to bypass the ban. KSA has preemptively notified operators and discussed the details with industry associations. Expected actions include:
- rapid response to violations;
- direct contact with offenders;
- fines and suspension of licenses in case of systemic violations.
Additional Consumer Protection Initiatives
In addition to the sponsorship ban, KSA has allocated funding for projects aimed at raising awareness of the risks of gambling. These are targeted at:
- schoolchildren and students;
- educators and sports coaches;
- parents and guardians.
Conclusion
The ban on sports sponsorship by iGaming operators in the Netherlands will be an important step in reducing the popularization of gambling among youth.
KSA promises strict enforcement of the law and will continue to expand consumer protection measures.