The Dutch gambling regulator KSA has given a warning to online games provider BetMGM for an advert on a news website featuring footballer Lamine Yamal, who will only turn 18 in July.
Dutch law forbids appealing to vulnerable groups, including minors, as well as advertising with celebrities thanks to a law which came into effect in June 2022.
The BetMGM advertising campaign, which was online for a short time, was executed and published by the website's editors. A BetMGM affiliated media company discovered the violation and reported it back to BetMGM.
“The KSA has dealt with the violation with a warning, because BetMGM quickly ended the violation and took adequate measures to prevent recurrence,” said the regulator. “However, the KSA emphasises that it remains the responsibility of providers to comply with the laws and regulations when they outsource advertising campaigns to external parties.
“Incidents must also be reported immediately, regardless of whether an internal investigation is already underway. If violations in the area of advertising occur, the KSA can take enforcement action, even if an external partner is involved.”
