Ksa Intervenes During World Cup Supervision Following Advertisements Featuring Recognizable Footballer References
The Dutch Gaming Authority (Ksa) has addressed Betcity and TOTO Winkel regarding violations of the ban on utilizing role models in gambling advertising. These infractions were uncovered during intensified supervision carried out by the Ksa surrounding the World Cup.
In both instances, the providers incorporated recognizable references to well-known professional footballers in their marketing campaigns by combining player names, shirt numbers, and national football kits to create a prohibited association. Following intervention from the Ksa, the offending advertisements were promptly removed, and TOTO Winkel withdrew similar planned promotional materials.
Specific Infractions at Betcity and TOTO Winkel
The violations involved subtle yet distinct references designed to evoke prominent athletes without explicitly displaying the players themselves:
- Betcity: The provider displayed betting options alongside national football team jerseys featuring the names and numbers of famous players, such as Mbappé and Olise. Although the players were not visually present, the combination of names, numbers, and kits established a clear association.
- TOTO Winkel: An advertisement discovered inside a supermarket featured the text ‘MBAPPÉ HATTRICK? WIN €100.- PLAY HERE’ alongside a depiction of a blue shirt bearing Mbappé’s squad number, similarly creating an impermissible link to the professional athlete.
Strict Enforcement of the Role Model Prohibition
To safeguard young people, at-risk gamblers, and problem gamblers, strict regulations govern online gambling advertising and land-based sports betting licensees. These rules strictly prohibit the use of role models, including current and former professional athletes, influencers, and other public figures, as well as any advertisements that evoke a clear association with a role model through recognizable characteristics.
The Ksa continues to actively monitor compliance across the market and takes swift enforcement action whenever license holders breach these advertising restrictions.
