The Netherlands has significantly tightened control over gambling advertising

The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has confirmed the full implementation of a ban on non-targeted gambling advertising. 

This can be called a new stage in the government’s fight against gambling and restrictions on its advertising on public and sports platforms.

Let’s dive into the background a little:

On July 1, 2023, certain restrictions on gambling advertising came into force. However, transitional provisions allowed some long-term sponsorship agreements, particularly in the field of sports, to remain without significant restrictions for another two years. This grace period took into account the commercial nature of the contracts and gave operators time to adapt.

However, as of July 1, 2025, the regulator has clearly stated that there will be no more exceptions and the ban will apply to everyone. In a recent update, the KSA confirmed that operators are no longer allowed to place gambling branding in any public form. This also applies to sports partnerships, which were previously the same exception.

“After the ban came into force on July 1, almost all public displays disappeared,” the KSA noted in its latest compliance report. The regulator issued clear warnings in advance, especially regarding the continued use of gambling branding in professional sports.

Of course, there have been violations, but they are few and far between. The regulator says the level of compliance is satisfactory.

The current goal is: to reduce the visibility of gambling in Dutch society and protect vulnerable groups, particularly young people, from the excessive influence of gambling-related marketing.

In the coming months, the KSA plans to strengthen its regulatory position to minimize violations.