Dutch regulator keeps close watch on FIFA 2018 World Cup betting

The Netherlands gambling regulator will be spending much of its time on the internet during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, monitoring all online gambling operators’ marketing and advertising practices.

On Monday, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) announced that it will be keeping a close watch on gambling activities before and during the World Cup to ensure that online gambling operators will not lure minors to gamble.

Under the current Dutch gambling law, minors aren’t permitted to participate in any games of chance such as betting on sports competition. Online sports betting operators that aren’t licensed in Netherlands may not offer games of chance to Dutch consumers.

The law only authorizes Toto, which is part of the Dutch Lottery, to offer bets on the results of sports competitions. Anticipating the surge of online bets placed during the World Cup, Kansspelautoriteit warned that unlicensed gambling operators who will target Dutch national consumers will be slapped with a hefty fine.