The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has issued a warning to TonyBet for offering betting markets in violation of Dutch gambling laws. The bets involved were on the winners of the Ballon d’Or and the Ballon d’Or for the FIFA Club World Cup, which are prohibited in the country.

Dutch law allows licensed operators to offer sports betting under specific conditions. Bets must be tied to measurable outcomes within sporting events organized by national or international bodies. The Ballon d’Or awards are decided through jury votes, meaning they fall outside the country’s legal betting scope.

Subjective Awards Not Allowed as Betting Options

The Ballon d’Or is awarded based on votes from journalists, coaches, and national team captains, not solely on performances. The same applies to the Ballon d’Or for the FIFA Club World Cup. Since these awards involve subjective decisions, they are not permitted as betting options under current regulations.

The KSA considers subjective outcomes as a risk to betting integrity. They cannot be verified in the same way as actual game results or player statistics. Therefore, they are excluded from the list of allowed betting markets. Dutch gambling laws aim to ensure fairness and consumer protection. Offering bets on opinion-based awards undermine these goals.

No Bets Placed, But Warning Issued

After discovering these offers, the KSA contacted TonyBet directly. The company confirmed that no wagers had been placed on either of the illegal markets and removed them. Also, they stated plans to improve oversight of the sportsbook and their processes to avoid future breaches.

The KSA issued a formal warning instead of a fine. However, the regulator made it clear that licensed operators are responsible for the content they offer. This includes betting markets provided by third-party suppliers or platforms. If an unapproved betting option appears, the operator must act immediately. They are required to report the issue to the KSA and remove the offer without delay.

The Regulator Emphasises Accountability

The Dutch Gambling Authority continues monitoring licensed providers to ensure full compliance. To maintain regulations, they hold gambling operators accountable for every betting market on their site. Even if a third party supplies the odds, responsibility lies with the license holder.

This case highlights the importance of staying within legal limits in the Dutch market. Operators must regularly check their sportsbook offerings to ensure alignment with national rules. The warning to TonyBet serves as a reminder to the entire industry that minor oversights can lead to regulatory consequences.