The regulator reminded operators that in the Netherlands, they are only permitted to accept bets on events occurring during a sporting match or on its final result. Everything else is off limits. Bets on individual awards, such as MVP or “Coach of the Year”, depend on the decisions of a jury rather than on a sporting result, and therefore do not fit the definition of permissible betting. Bets on player transfers, the outcomes of entertainment awards, and political events are also prohibited.
Where Operators Keep Going Wrong
Dutch law draws a tight line around what counts as a legal bet. Under Dutch law, sports betting covers only the outcomes of authorized competitions and events occurring directly during a match. Licensed operators may offer, among other things, bets on virtual sports, fantasy betting, and esports, as long as they run under a recognised governing body. Most non-standard markets simply have no legal footing in the Dutch framework.
The KSA has been here before. In December 2024, the regulator had already warned unnamed operators offering bets on matches involving players under the age of 21. Previously, the KSA had issued warnings to Bet365 and One Casino.
A Logo, a Link, a Violation
This week the KSA also took action against JOI Gaming’s Jacks brand over a separate violation. The website of the Professional Darts Corporation, which regularly hosts tournaments in the Netherlands, featured the logo of Jacks’ land-based venues with a link to the operator’s online platform. Under Dutch regulations, this is considered advertising for online gambling on a public website. The link was removed immediately after the regulator’s intervention.
Since July 2023, the Netherlands has had a ban on untargeted gambling advertising. Operators are only permitted to advertise their services to those who have already consented to receiving such content. The KSA regularly identifies violations of this rule.
Your Platform, your Problem
The licensee bears full responsibility for the content of its platform, even if it uses external systems or third-party sports betting service providers. Operators must check what is live on their own platforms, not wait for the regulator to flag it.
Where this Leaves Dutch Operators
The Netherlands remains one of the most strictly regulated iGaming markets in Europe. The tax rate on gross gaming revenue (GGR) rose to 34.2% in 2025 and is expected to increase to 37.8% starting in 2026. The KSA is now scrutinising not just advertising but the actual content of betting platforms.
The same issues surfacing repeatedly suggest the problem runs deeper than a one-off oversight. Some are clearly outsourcing that responsibility and not checking what ends up on their site. The KSA has kept the names confidential for now. That may not last if the same operators keep appearing on the radar.
