The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) handed JOI Gaming Limited a €400,000 fine in December 2024, with the penalty only just coming to light due to a preliminary injunction.
The penalty was handed down after celebrity role models were used in gambling advertising for JACK’S Racing Day 2023.
JACK’S is one of JOI Gaming’s brands, with the annual event featuring motor racing, stunts and demonstrations.
The KSA confirmed several role models were at the event, signing JACK’s branded merchandise.
Photos of the celebrities with staff wearing JACK’S branded clothing were also posted on the JACK’S Racing Day website and social media channels.
The KSA announced in July 2024 that JOI Gaming could face a fine of €50,000 per day should the offending posts not be taken down.
The operator proceeded to seek a preliminary injunction preventing the publication of the final penalty amount.
The KSA ruled that €350,000 was an appropriate fine for the violations on record, with a €50,000 penalty tacked on due to other circumstances.
The regulator ruled that seven role models were present throughout the event, with those individuals having “considerable fame” and a “particularly younger audience”.
The KSA added that the social media posts were easily accessible to young people, would appear online for a longer time and could be readily shared, making the reach and impact greater.
The regulator said: “To protect vulnerable groups such as young people, strict rules apply to the use of role models in gambling advertising.
“Role models include celebrities, (former) professional footballers or influencers. They can serve as role models of success, behaviour or an ideal lifestyle for impressionable young adults.
“Therefore, the use of role models is prohibited for high-risk gambling, such as online gambling. For lower-risk gambling, such as lotteries, they may be used under strict conditions.”
The post KSA reveals €400,000 fine for JOI Gaming over 2023 breaches first appeared on EGR Intel.
Operator’s preliminary injunction had postponed publication of final penalty, which was related to presence of celebrity role models at motorsports event
The post KSA reveals €400,000 fine for JOI Gaming over 2023 breaches first appeared on EGR Intel.