KSA raises concerns over Analyse Master, clears licensees of wrongdoing
Last autumn, Dutch journalism platform Pointer published an investigation into both Analyse Master and its associated Telegram channel. This heavily focused on its use of role models to promote online gambling.
Pointer highlighted how licensed operators in the Netherlands are prohibited from including role models in gambling adverts. This led KSA to launch its own investigation into Analyse Master, with details of this published today (11 March).
The probe saw KSA speak with two Dutch licence-holders who were mentioned on the Telegram channel and the platform. The regulator did not name either party.
KSA found one company had a partnership in place with Analyse Master but terminated the relationship when it became aware of the use of role models. As for the other company, it advertised on Telegram via purchased advertising space, but without collaboration with Analyse Master. It pulled this advertising after learning of the association with role models and targeting of young adults.
As such, KSA ruled both parties acted correctly and there was no violation. It did, however, issue a reminder for licensees to be vigilant with their advertising to ensure it is in line with regulations.
KSA: ‘Undesirable’ activity from Analyse Matter
As Analyse Master itself is not a gambling provider, KSA cannot take any enforcement action against the platform. However, the regulator has raised concerns about how the platform conducts business.
KSA chairman Michel Groothuizen said this primarily relates to its targeting of young people on social media.
“The fact that there are channels on social media that promote sports betting among young adults is a very undesirable and worrying development, because young adults are vulnerable and susceptible to gambling addiction,” he said.
The current advertising ban applies specifically to gambling providers and not third parties like Analyse Master. However, state secretary Teun Struycken has hinted the government could amend the rules to grant further regulatory reach to KSA.
Groothuizen has welcomed this, saying: “I am pleased that State Secretary Struycken also announced in his recent vision on gambling that he wants to adjust the advertising rules, so that we as a supervisory authority can also take active action against these types of parties.”
Regulator reveals illegal poker clampdown
In other news, KSA yesterday (10 March) revealed details of a crackdown on illegal poker activities across the Netherlands.
Throughout last autumn, KSA dismantled several illegal poker tournaments, recovering tens of thousands of euros in cash. During one raid, officers found €40,000 (£33,689/$43,548) in cash at one of the locations.
In addition, KSA last month imposed a €110,000 penalty on an unnamed party that had been organising poker without a licence.
Holland Casino remains the only operator approved to host in-person poker tournaments for money of prizes. This has been the case since 1975. The only exceptions are for games that are played within a closed circle of people.