The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling regulator, recently concluded an investigation into the sports betting website Analyse Master. Although no breaches were found among the licensed operators, concerns remain about the site’s influence on young adults, a population that is particularly vulnerable to gambling addiction.
Background to the investigation
In autumn 2024, investigative media outlet Pointer published a report on Analyse Master, a platform offering sports betting advice and with an associated Telegram channel. The site offered links to gambling operators and was promoted by various public figures. As the use of public figures to promote gambling is prohibited in the Netherlands, the KSA has launched an investigation to verify compliance with this regulation.
Reactions from the operators concerned
Two authorised operators have been identified on the Telegram channel and the Master Analysis platform. The first terminated its collaboration after noticing the use of public figures in advertisements. The second, which had purchased advertising space on Telegram without a direct partnership with Analyse Master, stopped its ads because of the association with these public figures and the targeting of young adults. The KSA welcomed these decisions, confirming that there had been no infringements on their part.
Responsibility of gambling operators
The KSA points out that operators are responsible for their advertising, including when it is managed by external partners. It also expects companies to monitor the use of their name on third-party platforms to avoid any misuse.
Current limits of regulation
As Analyse Master is not a gambling operator, the KSA cannot take direct action against the platform. Michel Groothuizen, chairman of the KSA’s board of directors, expresses his concerns:
‘That there are channels on social networks that promote sports betting to young adults is a very undesirable and worrying development, as young adults are vulnerable and likely to develop a gambling addiction.’
He welcomes the fact that Secretary of State Struycken is considering adapting the advertising rules to enable the KSA to take action against these entities.
Towards tighter regulation
Faced with these challenges, the authorities are planning to tighten up regulation. Secretary of State Struycken’s proposal to extend advertising rules to enable the KSA to take action against platforms such as Analyse Master is a step in this direction. The aim is to better protect young adults by limiting their exposure to gambling promotions, particularly on social networks.