Sports betting: Ksa denounces abuses in the Netherlands
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9 Dec 2024 •
Reading time: 2 minutes The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa), recently highlighted serious violations of sports betting legislation. An investigation revealed that seven licensed operators were illegally offering bets on competitions involving players under 21. This practice, banned in the Netherlands, raises major concerns about the manipulation and safety of young athletes.
Widespread violations in the middle of the 2023-2024 season
The violations were detected during the 2023-2024 football season. The operators, whose names have not been disclosed, offered bets on matches involving players under 21 and on specific elements of the game such as yellow or red cards, or the number of corners.
Under Dutch law, these types of bets are prohibited to minimise the risk of manipulation and match-fixing. The Ksa explains that young athletes are more vulnerable and easier to manipulate, which justifies a strict ban.
“This type of offer is not permitted in the Netherlands due to an increased risk of manipulation.”
Operators under pressure
The Ksa has ordered the offending operators to immediately cease these activities and announced follow-up checks to ensure their compliance. It has also warned that any persistent breaches will result in severe sanctions.
Operators have been ordered to report any past or future violations. This transparency is essential to strengthen the integrity of sports betting in a market where financial stakes are high.
Why ban these bets?
Betting on youth competitions or specific match events, while common in other markets, is particularly monitored in the Netherlands. The Ksa explains that these bets target easy-to-manipulate aspects, such as a corner or a card, without necessarily influencing the final result of the match.
In addition, young players, often inexperienced and less supervised, are perceived as more likely to give in to pressure or attempts at corruption.
The spectre of the black market
However, these strict restrictions do not prevent illegal operators from exploiting these prohibited bets. According to the Ksa, the channelling rate for online gambling is currently 95%, but in reality, this figure is closer to 87%. This leaves a significant space for illegal platforms.
The same report revealed that measures to encourage responsible gambling were insufficient, amplifying the risk of abuses. In response to this situation, two Dutch associations, NOGA and VNLOK, have recently set up a reporting system to identify illegal operators.
Fight for sports integrity
The Ksa investigation has highlighted significant flaws in the Dutch sports betting industry and demonstrates its determination to protect young players and maintain the integrity of competitions. However, the persistence of the black market and the lack of transparency of some operators remain major challenges.