The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has said virtually all gambling sponsorships have disappeared following the introduction of the sports ad ban in the market.
Coming into effect from 1 July, the ban prevents operators from sponsoring athletes, teams and sporting attire, as well as competitions.
The update to the marketing protocols in the Netherlands came two years after the initial non-targeted advertising ban across TV, radio and in public spaces was introduced.
Ahead of the latest update, KSA chair Michel Groothuizen said the regulator would be “vigilant” with operators to ensure there were minimal breaches.
Having been in place for just over a week, the KSA praised the market’s response to the new regulation, with public sponsorship all but disappearing.
A statement read: “The Netherlands Gambling Authority notes that the ban on sports sponsorship took effect on 1 July and went off without a hitch.
“In the lead up to the ban, the regulator announced it would be focusing extra attention on gambling in sports and intensifying its oversight. After the ban took effect on 1 July, virtually all public displays disappeared.”
However, the regulator did note there were a few instances where sports merchandise was on sale that still had logos of gambling operators on them.
The unnamed offenders were sent a warning, the regulator confirmed, stating any further violations would result in a penalty.
“In the first week after the ban took effect, the KSA encountered several minor violations, such as the sale of merchandise bearing the gambling provider’s logo [online].
“The providers in question received a warning letter requesting them to cease the violation that same week. If they fail to comply, the KSA can still take enforcement action, for example, by issuing a fine.
“The KSA emphasises once again that gambling providers themselves are responsible for complying with the ban, even when collaborating with external parties.”
Prior to the introduction of the sports sponsorship ban, the KSA’s head of market supervision admitted that a blanket ban on all gambling advertising was becoming a realistic option.
The post Dutch regulator claims sports sponsorship ban has begun “without a hitch” first appeared on EGR Intel.
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has said virtually all gambling sponsorships have disappeared following the introduction of the sports ad ban in the market. Coming into effect from 1 July, the ban prevents operators from sponsoring athletes, teams and sporting attire, as well as competitions. The update to the marketing protocols in the Netherlands came two years after the
The post Dutch regulator claims sports sponsorship ban has begun “without a hitch” first appeared on EGR Intel.