Kansino gambling advertising on GeenStijl partly violated the advertising code
Two of the three gambling advertisements placed by online operator Kansino on the popular Dutch website GeenStijl were found to be in violation of the Online Gambling Advertising Code ROK. The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) decided this after a complaint about the advertisements.
Violation of article 9.1 ROK
The gambling advertisement in the footer of GeenStijl violated Article 9.1 of the ROK. In this advertisement it was not possible for users to unsubscribe from the gambling advertisement. The KSA ruled that Kansino was acting in violation of the ROK.
No violation of article 9.2 ROK
The two other gambling advertisements, the advertising text and the banners, did not appear to conflict with the ROK. Kansino had taken measures to prevent vulnerable groups, such as minors and young adults, from seeing the advertisements.
Measures taken by Kansino
Kansino had taken the following measures:
- Age check via Google Analytics: In March 2024, only 2.91% of GeenStijl visitors were between 18 and 24 years old. This is below the standard of 5% of the KSA.
- Age filtering via DigitalAudience: This will not show gambling ads to visitors under the age of 24.
- Target group GeenStijl: GeenStijl focuses on the target group 30 to 50 years old.
- Opt-out option: Since July 2023, users can opt-out on the GeenStijl website to prevent them from seeing harmful advertisements.
- Removal of hyperlink: The hyperlink in the footer has now been removed.
Age gate on GeenStijl
GeenStijl now has an ‘age gate’ on the website. Visitors must confirm that they are over 24 years old. This measure, together with DigitalAudience and Google Analytics, forms a three-layer strategy for targeted marketing and protection of young users.
No fine for Kansino
Since the gambling advertisement in the footer has now been removed, the KSA will suffice with this finding and will not impose a fine on Kansino. Circus Casino previously escaped a fine from the KSA. After an investigation into violations.