Minors targeted by 711 B.V.: Ksa alert
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18 Apr 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes The Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) has sanctioned 711 B.V. after it broadcast gambling advertisements targeting minors. The incident revealed flaws in the company’s advertising practices, and it has acknowledged its responsibility and taken corrective action. Although the company did not receive an immediate financial penalty, the Ksa stressed the importance of strict supervision and transparency in gambling advertising, particularly to protect young audiences from the associated risks.
On 18 April 2025, the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa), the Dutch gambling regulator, issued a stern warning to 711 B.V., a company operating in the online gambling sector. The reason: the broadcasting of gambling advertisements directly targeting minors. This decision, although unprecedented, underlines the authorities’ commitment to protecting the younger generation from the dangers of excessive gambling and inappropriate advertising.
Inappropriately targeted advertising
It all started when a parent noticed a 711 B.V. advertising banner displayed on a website aimed at primary school pupils, specifically for online homework. The discovery highlighted a loophole in the regulation of online gambling advertising.
The incident is particularly serious because, under Dutch law, gambling companies are not allowed to target minors, an audience that is particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with gambling. The Ksa considers this type of advertising to be a serious violation, which could have long-term consequences for young people’s perception of gambling and its dangers.
711 B.V.’s reaction and internal investigation
Once the incident was reported, 711 B.V. conducted an internal investigation and quickly acknowledged the responsibility of its external partner in the dissemination of these inappropriate advertisements. The company took steps to rectify the situation, including removing the banners targeting minors and implementing new practices to prevent future breaches.
However, although the company took action to rectify the situation, Ksa stressed that this should have been accompanied by immediate notification to the regulator. Gambling operators are required to report any incident or error that could put consumers at risk, whether it be an internal error or a flaw in advertising campaigns.
A light penalty, but a clear warning
The Ksa has chosen not to impose an immediate financial penalty on 711 B.V., contenting itself with a warning. This decision can be explained by the fact that the company realised its error and took corrective measures without delay. However, the regulator insisted that operators must ensure that they scrupulously comply with advertising legislation, even when they delegate these tasks to external partners. In addition, any incident must be reported without delay, to ensure transparency and prevent possible abuse.
The priority for 2025: protecting minors
The incident with 711 B.V. comes at a time when the Ksa has stepped up its efforts to monitor online advertising in 2025. One of the year’s main objectives is to better protect minors and young adults from the dangers of excessive gambling, particularly through targeted advertising. This is reflected in stricter controls and increased vigilance over the practices of online gambling operators.
This warning to 711 B.V. serves as a lesson to the entire online gambling industry. It is now imperative that companies take rigorous measures to ensure that their advertising campaigns comply with legal standards, even when they are outsourced to partners. Transparency and responsiveness to incidents are also essential to maintain the confidence of the public and regulators.