TLDR
- Dutch gambling regulators found multiple sportsbooks offering illegal bet types like MVP awards
- Operators removed the banned markets immediately after being contacted by the KSA
- This follows previous incidents including bets on matches involving under-21 players
- JOI Gaming was also flagged for linking a land-based logo to its online gambling platform
- The KSA warned that licence holders are fully responsible for all content on their platforms
The Dutch Gambling Authority has stepped in again after finding several online sportsbooks offering betting markets that break the country’s rules.
The regulator, known as the KSA, confirmed that multiple operators had listed bets such as wagering on a Most Valuable Player award. These types of markets are not allowed under Dutch law.
In the Netherlands, operators can only offer bets on match outcomes or events that happen during a game. Speculative bets like individual awards or side markets fall outside the legal framework.
The KSA did not name the companies involved. However, it confirmed the operators removed the illegal markets as soon as they were contacted.
Repeated Compliance Failures Raise Questions
This is not an isolated case. The Dutch regulator has dealt with similar problems before.
Late last year, operators were flagged for offering bets on matches involving players under 21. That is another clear rule breach under Dutch gambling law.
These repeated issues suggest that some platforms are not reviewing their offerings closely enough. In some cases, operators may be relying on third-party systems without proper checks.
The KSA has been direct about where the blame sits. Even if a sportsbook uses an external provider, the licence holder is responsible for everything on the site.
That means operators must actively monitor what markets are live. Simply assuming compliance is not enough.
The regulator expects any problems to be fixed right away. It has said it will keep watching the market and stepping in when needed.
Advertising Rules Also Under Scrutiny
The KSA is also paying close attention to how gambling brands are promoted online.
Earlier this week, JOI Gaming, which runs the Jacks brand, was contacted about an issue on a darts website. The company’s land-based logo appeared on the site, which is normally allowed.
The problem was that the logo included a direct link to the company’s online gambling platform. Under Dutch rules, that counts as advertising.
The Netherlands has strict rules around gambling promotion, especially on public-facing websites. The link was taken down shortly after the regulator raised the issue.
The Dutch gambling market has grown quickly in recent years. That growth has brought more attention from regulators.
For operators, the message is clear. Compliance means more than following the rules on paper. It requires constant monitoring of live platforms and online branding.
The KSA has kept the names of the offending operators private for now. But the regulator has hinted that if the same problems keep appearing, that approach could change.
The most recent action involved the JOI Gaming advertising issue, which was resolved earlier this week after the company removed the link from the darts website.
