Dutch gaming regulator inks deal with media to limit illegal online gambling ads

The Netherlands’ gaming regulator has reached a deal with Dutch media outlets to reduce the spread of illegal online gambling advertising.

On Thursday, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) announced it had signed an agreement with the country’s leading media parties to “protect Dutch consumers” from the alleged dangers of operators not holding a Dutch gaming license. The original eight signatories to the new covenant include print, radio, television and online sources, and the KSA hopes to add more names in the near future.

At present, no online gambling advertisements are officially sanctioned by the KSA. Dutch parliamentarians are still putting the finishing touches on the country’s new Remote Gaming Bill, which will officially regulate the country’s online market for the first time.

Last month, Dutch land-based gaming trade association Euromat filed a formal complaint with the European Commission over the Remote Gaming Bill’s proposed online tax rate. As written, Dutch-licensed online operators will pay 20% of gross gaming revenue versus the 29% paid by the country’s land-based operators.