The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has warned licensed operators to strictly follow advertising and betting rules ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying any violations will trigger immediate enforcement action.
In a notice sent to gambling companies, the KSA stressed that operators must comply with existing restrictions designed to protect young adults and vulnerable consumers during major sporting events, when betting activity typically rises sharply.
The regulator repeated that untargeted gambling advertising remains prohibited in the Netherlands. It also reminded operators that sports sponsorship rules are heavily restricted and that certain forms of micro-betting are not allowed under Dutch law.
Among the banned betting options mentioned by the KSA are wagers on which player receives the first yellow card or which team takes the first corner in a match.
The authority said it will closely monitor operator activity during the World Cup period and act quickly if breaches are identified. Illegal operators and affiliates promoting unlicensed gambling services will also face increased scrutiny.
KSA chairman Michel Groothuizen said previous international tournaments showed a clear rise in gambling participation.
“We saw at the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship that gambling increased. This makes it attractive for companies to attract new players during that period,” he said. “Providers must remain mindful of the protection of young adults and other vulnerable groups and adhere to the applicable rules.”
The regulator also plans to increase awareness campaigns about the risks linked to sports betting among younger audiences.
The warning comes as the Dutch government continues discussions over even tougher gambling advertising measures. Current regulations already ban untargeted ads and restrict exposure to people under the age of 24.
Recent research cited by the KSA found that some gambling advertisements on Meta platforms were still being shown to users aged between 18 and 23 despite the restrictions.