The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has issued a stern reminder to the industry after several online sportsbooks were caught offering prohibited betting markets.
Multiple operators had listed speculative wagers, such as “Most Valuable Player” (MVP) awards, which fall strictly outside the Dutch legal framework for sports wagering.
The Responsibility of the License Holder
Dutch rules are uncompromising, where operators may only offer bets on match outcomes or specific in-game events. Speculative individual awards are banned to prevent manipulation and maintain integrity.
The KSA also highlighted a recurring issue from late 2025, where operators were flagged for offering bets on matches involving players under the age of 21, a direct breach of youth protection protocols.
The Dutch regulator has made it clear and issued a reminder that third-party providers do not absolve operators of blame:
“Responsibility sits firmly with the licence holder. Even if a sportsbook is powered by an external provider, it is still up to the operator to make sure everything on the site complies with Dutch law.”
Advertising and Digital Links Under Fire
Oversight has also extended to brand promotion. Recently, JOI Gaming (Jacks) was forced to remove a direct link to its online gambling platform from a darts website after the KSA determined it crossed into illegal advertising territory.
As the Dutch market continues its rapid expansion, the KSA is signaling that its “silent” approach, where operators are not always named publicly, may soon end if compliance failures persist. Operators are urged to move beyond “compliance on paper” and implement constant active monitoring of their live platforms to avoid future regulatory intervention.
