KSA Extends Role Model Ban to Block Influencer and Streamer Gambling Promotions

Key Points

• The role model ban applies to all individuals with public exposure, not only major influencers or streamers.
• Gambling operators must end existing and planned collaborations with public figures immediately.
• Influencers and online personalities cannot be used for gambling recruitment or advertising purposes.

The Netherlands Gambling Authority, or KSA, just made it clear that they’re cracking down harder on gambling ads. From now on, the ban doesn’t just hit influencers or people with huge online followings. It covers anyone in the public eye. KSA wants to close the old loopholes and make sure their rules actually protect people, especially younger adults who are more at risk. This move isn’t just about tightening the screws—it’s about making those safeguards actually work.

KSA Clarifies Who Falls Under the Role Model Ban

In its early form, the role model ban attempted to limit the influence created by gambling advertising, yet it lacked firm definitions before the latest update took effect. With guidance released on 24 February, the regulator confirmed that bloggers, vloggers, streamers, and similar online figures are included within the rule. Consequently, this clarification means any person with public visibility may not promote online games of chance under any circumstances.

Operators Ordered to End Influencer Partnerships

Once the update went out, KSA told licensed operators to cut ties with public figures right away. The regulator also warned companies not to sign any new deals with influencers, streamers, or similar personalities from now on. KSA didn’t leave much room for debate: operators can’t use these people for recruitment, marketing, or any kind of gambling-related advertising.

KSA announced not just a policy update, but a change in board leadership coming up over the next few years. Carol Verheij stepped in as a new Board of Directors member on 10 February, though her official term doesn’t kick off until 1 March 2026. She’s set to replace Bernadette van Buchem as Vice-Chair, after the State Secretary for Justice and Security made it official in the Government Gazette. Right now, Verheij is Secretary-Director at the Dutch Safety Board, where she’s gained plenty of experience in the Dutch public sector. Before this, she was General Director at Justis and also led the Child Protection Council at the Ministry of Justice and Security.

More on gambling regulation can be found in the regulation section.