Gambling in the Netherlands: No violations found by licensees, but there are concerns about the platform

In the fall of 2024, journalism platform Pointer published an investigation into the sports betting tip platform Analyse Master and the associated Telegram channel. The platform provides tips for sports betting and contains references to gambling providers. The platform is also promoted by various role models. Because the use of role models for the promotion of online gambling is prohibited, the Ksa has started an investigation.

As part of this investigation, the Ksa spoke to the two licensees who were mentioned on the Telegram channel and the platform. These conversations revealed that one of the two companies had a partnership with the platform, but ended it of its own accord when it became apparent that role models were also being advertised. The other party advertised on Telegram via purchased advertising space, but without collaboration with Analyse Master. Due to the association with role models and the targeting of young adults by Analyse Master, this party stopped advertising within this Telegram channel.

According to the Ksa, they both acted correctly and there is no violation. The Ksa emphasizes once again that providers are responsible for their own advertising expressions, even if these are purchased from or by an external partner. The Ksa also expects gambling companies to be alert to misuse of their name on such platforms.

Because Analyse Master is not a gambling provider itself, the Ksa cannot take enforcement action against the platform. 

Chairman of the Board Michel Groothuizen:

“The current advertising bans apply specifically to gambling providers, and not to third parties such as Analyse Master. The fact that there are channels on social media that promote sports betting among young adults is a very undesirable and worrying development, because young adults are vulnerable and susceptible to gambling addiction. I am pleased that State Secretary Struycken also announced in his recent vision on gambling that he wants to adjust the advertising rules, so that we as a supervisory authority can also take active action against these types of parties.”