Kansspelautoriteit, the Dutch gambling regulator, has fined three influencers for promoting illegal online gambling operators. The online influencers are known as Stiefunspeelt, Turcos, and Buurtwachtt. They posted videos on social media showing people how to bet with illegal providers. They also encouraged their followers to engage with these platforms.

This was not the first time these influencers had been caught going against the rules. The KSA has given them 48 hours to remove the videos. If they are caught posting new content to promote illegal operators, they could face fines of €25,000 each, with a maximum penalty of €75,000.

KSA Targets Illegal Gambling Content

The fines are part of KSA’s effort to crack down on illegal gambling promotion in the Netherlands. Earlier this year, YouTube influencer LeftlanePapi was also fined for similar activity.

KSA officials emphasized that influencers have an important role to play in promoting illegal gambling. By taking legal action, the regulator hopes to discourage others from engaging in similar behaviour.

Illegal gambling has been a major concern for the KSA in recent months. A report in July revealed that 93 percent of players in the Netherlands now gamble only with licensed providers. This shift was partly expected due to the increase in gaming taxes, which the Dutch Lottery had previously warned could change the market.

New Investigation into Operator Practices

The KSA is also looking closely at gambling operators themselves alongside punishing influencers. Last week, the authority announced a new investigation into the strategies companies use to influence player behaviour. Regulators want to confirm whether the techniques being used are helpful, harmful, or in violation of the duty of care rules.

Michel Groothuizen, KSA Chairman, explained: “At the KSA, we understand that online providers, like other commercial companies, monitor what users do on their platforms and how they can influence that to their advantage.”

The review will look into tactics that may pressure or manipulate players in negative ways. This is part of the KSA’s ongoing mission to make sure gambling in the Netherlands is safe, legal, and responsible.

Sending a Clear Message

The KSA is sending a strong signal about its priorities by fining influencers and tightening its oversight of operators. The regulator wants influencers and operators to know that breaking gambling laws will not be tolerated.

The penalties given to Stiefunspeelt, Turcos, and Buurtwachtt shows that promoting illegal providers can have serious financial consequences. The KSA has warned that future violations could result in much heavier fines.

With growing concerns about the risks of illegal gambling, especially online, the regulator believes firm enforcement is necessary to protect Dutch players. By continuing to monitor social media and industry practices, the KSA aims to maintain a safe gambling environment where only licensed providers can operate.