The Netherlands Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit – KSA) has issued a firm warning to 711 Casino after its gambling advertisements were found on a primary school homework website, HomeworkHelp.nl. The platform, commonly used by children aged 8 to 12, is considered strictly off-limits for gambling promotions under Dutch law.
Serious Breach of Advertising Rules
The incident is a direct violation of Article 1.3a of the Dutch Gambling Act, which prohibits gambling ads from appearing on websites frequented by minors. The KSA emphasized the severity of the breach, stating, “This is unacceptable. Gambling ads have no place on children’s educational websites.”
Regulatory Action Taken
711 Casino has been ordered to:
- Immediately remove all advertisements from the platform
- Conduct a full audit of its marketing channels within 14 days
- Pay €28,000 in administrative costs
If the operator fails to comply, it faces potential fines of up to €150,000 or restrictions on its gambling license.
Wider Industry Implications
This case intensifies ongoing concerns about youth exposure to gambling in the Netherlands. The KSA recently reported a 23% increase in complaints related to underage gambling visibility. In response, Dutch lawmakers are considering a full ban on gambling advertising by 2025. Operators are also being urged to adopt stronger age-verification protocols for digital campaigns.
Stricter Oversight Ahead
The KSA has pledged to increase monitoring of ad networks and take tougher actions against repeat offenders. This serves as a stark warning to licensed operators: protecting minors must be a top priority, and any violations, intentional or not, will be met with serious consequences.
