KSA Condemns 711 BV for Gambling Ads on School Website — Implications for the Industry
In the Netherlands, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has officially condemned the operator 711 BV for placing gambling advertisements on a website offering homework help for elementary school students.
Violation of Youth Protection Laws
The advertising campaign violated Dutch legislation, which strictly prohibits any gambling ads targeted at a minor audience.
The issue was discovered after complaints from parents who noticed 711 BV banners on an educational platform for children.
According to the KSA, the ads were placed by a third-party affiliate of the operator and also appeared on other websites aimed at minors.
Operator and Regulator Response
The company 711 BV took action to correct the violations: the banners were removed, and stricter controls over ad placements were introduced.
However, the operator did not notify the KSA about the incident, which in itself constitutes a violation. By law, even if a third party is at fault, the operator is obligated to report any incidents.
Warning Instead of a Fine
The KSA decided to issue a warning instead of imposing a fine, taking into account the prompt action taken by 711 BV. Nevertheless, the regulator emphasized that:
- The operator is always responsible, even when affiliates are involved
- Violations of advertising regulations are unacceptable
- Repeat offenses will result in stricter penalties
Increased Oversight and a Lesson for the Industry
The case involving 711 BV is part of a broader KSA campaign to tighten control over gambling advertising in 2025. The regulator requires all operators to:
| Requirements | Description |
|---|---|
| Transparency | Operators must report all incidents immediately |
| Affiliate Control | Strict selection and monitoring of third-party affiliates |
| Real-Time Monitoring | Systems to track ad placements in real time |
Estimates show that minors make up 23% of internet users in the Netherlands, requiring special attention to protecting this audience.
Gamusoft Case: What Happens in Case of Violations
At the same time, the KSA imposed sanctions on another company — Gamusoft. It was fined for offering gambling services without a license and failing to block access for Dutch users.
The company is required to pay a weekly fine of €280,000 until it ceases operations in the Netherlands. This further underscores that:
- The KSA will not tolerate violations
- Unlicensed activity will be strictly suppressed
- Operators must comply with all rules, regardless of where the services are offered