The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has imposed a penalty order on popular YouTuber LeftlanePapi for promoting and participating in illegal online gambling activities. This forms part of their enforcement strategy to tackle the increase in unlicensed gambling operators on social media platforms. 

LeftlanePapi, whose YouTube channel has over 53,000 subscribers, is the first publicly named figure implicated in KSA’s stricter two-track enforcement approach. The regulator ramps up efforts to regulate influencers promoting unlicensed gambling websites operating without a Dutch licence.

Content Promoted Despite Warning

In April, KSA inspectors reviewed a video in which LeftlanePapi was seen actively gambling on Skyhills.com, a platform offering slot games, live casino content, and sports betting without the necessary licensing for the Dutch market. The video also contained direct promotional messaging, including a link to the Skyhills website and an invitation for viewers to join a Dutch-language Discord channel for support. 

According to the KSA, this constituted a clear case of promoting unlicensed gambling and participating. The influencer was formally warned to remove the content. However, the video remained online and was followed by additional streams featuring similar content despite this warning. In one of the streams, LeftlanePapi seemingly acknowledged the risk, stating: “I always just leave the stream live for 12 hours. Then I delete it immediately, man. You know how YouTube and KSA are with me, I don’t want a headache.”

Penalty Payment Imposed

Due to non-compliance, the KSA has issued a penalty order. The influencer is required to stop all illegal promotional activities related to unlicensed gambling. Should he fail to comply, a fine of €25,000 per violation will be imposed, up to a maximum of €75,000. 

The KSA issued a formal decision on 18 June, but only made it public on 2 July. The regulator explained that the disclosure was necessary to protect vulnerable consumers from the risks of unregulated gambling, such as fraud and addiction.

Part of a Larger Enforcement Drive

The case represents the first public action under the KSA’s revised two-track enforcement strategy. Under this new approach, influencers in violation of gambling laws will receive a formal notice demanding removal of the illegal content within 48 hours. 

If the content is left online, the KSA notifies the relevant platform and imposes financial penalties on the individual involved. The authority also confirmed that it has issued similar warnings to several other influencers. They monitor social media channels to eliminate unlicensed gambling promotions.