15 Affiliate Websites Hit By Dutch Regulator
Published December 8, 2021 by Sol FH
There were 15 affiliate websites linked to advertising illegal online games by Dutch regulator de Kansspelautoriteit (KSA).
Out of a total of 22 investigations into illegal advertising activity on affiliate sites, the KSA identified 15 websites that were in severe breach of the Dutch Gambling Act From a total of 22 investigations, the regulator identified 15 websites that had breached the Dutch Gambling Act and were deemed to have broken the law.
In order not to harm the businesses in public, the KSA did not reveal their identities but did say that 13 of them could be subject to a major penalty. But, that will only be decided after the action that these websites take after the KSA warning. The investigation is ongoing into the remaining two websites.
The response has been digested by at least a few of the affiliate sites, who ceased immediately all advertising for unlicensed gaming providers, while other affiliates immediately switched to only licensed operators.
After the initial cease-and-desist order, the KSA then begins re-inspections of the affiliates, to monitor their activity. If a website does not cease-and-desist, the KSA has the authority to issue financial penalties.
“Offering games of chance without a license is prohibited; the same applies to advertising games of chance that are not licensed,” KSA commented. “With affiliate marketing, sites receive money when they click through to the online game of chance and the KSA periodically conducts research into these advertisers.”
Already back in May of 2021, the KSA warned affiliate sites that it would begin a new round of action to ensure no illegal activity was being performed in order to halt unlicensed gambling in Holland.
Last time, the KSA investigated 44 websites that most were hit with sanctions and financial penalties.
Of the 44 websites investigated, 26 were found to be promoting illegal online gambling and forced to delete all of their advertising, of which, 20 removed them immediately, three only after warnings from the KSA that a penalty may be applied, while three were all subject to further investigation.
