Online Gaming Advertisements on Lern Website: 711 Casino Faces Caution from Saudi Authorities
Shooting Warning to 711 B.V.: Schoolkids' Website Hosts Gambling Ad* KSA slaps warning on online casino provider* Advertising blunder goes unreported for a while, despite legal obligations* Gamusoft in hot water over illegal offers
Listen up, folks, because kids are like sponges when it comes to absorbin' stuff. © Pexels/Jena Backus
Parent snitches on gambling ad on elementary school site
The Dutch gambling regulatory body, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), sounded the alarm [Link in Dutch] on their website about slapping a warning on online casino operator 711 B.V. A parent spotted a gambling ad on a site for elementary school homework, and gave the authority a heads-up.
The KSA considers targeting kiddos a real big no-no due to the damage it can do, so they consider this a bona fide piss-off. No fine was dished out, but the warning's a pretty clear message to the industry. The marketing campaign was laid down by an external partner, who dropped banners on numerous websites, some of which had enough kid appeal to make a kid's eyes light up.
Ad goes down, but not once reported
According to the KSA, 711 caught wind of the ad during an internal check and made plans to keep it from happening again. However, they reported the incident after the fact, which goes against the law.
Kids and gambling: a dangerous mix
Kiddos and teens are a vulnerable lot when it comes to gambling. Their decision-making skills ain't fully developed yet, and they're easy prey for flashy visuals and promises. That's why it's against the law to put gambling ads on platforms that cater to young 'uns.
Here's why it's so important:* Impulse control: Kiddos can't resist the impulse to take risks, making them more likely to get addicted.* Advertising effect: Gambling ads can make risky behavior seem ordinary, luring minors into the gambling trap.* Fast start: The earlier the exposure to gambling, the higher the risk of addiction.
The KSA said in a statement that providers are responsible for ensureing regulations are followed in outsourced campaigns. Failing to report to the KSA immediately is another breach, as external notifications are required in cases of internal clarification.
More action from the KSA
The warning to 711 B.V. is part of a legislative crackdown by the KSA. Recently, a provider got hit with a €734,000 fine [Link in Dutch] for failin' to protect young adults from excessive gambling habits. The KSA found serious shortcomings in all ten player files examined.
Can you believe it? The doomed players lost tens of thousands of euros within a couple of months! The affected players were between 18 and 23, and their losses piled up rapidly. The provider is fightin' back against the exposed identity.
Less fortunate than 711, Gamusoft's off the hook [Link in English]. The provider's allegedly offerin' unlicensed gambling services to Dutch players, according to the KSA. If they don't quit cold turkey, a fine of €280,000 per week might be headed their way.
- The unreported gambling ad that appeared on an elementary school website, hosted by 711 B.V., has raised concerns with the Dutch gambling regulatory body, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA).
- The KSA strongly discourages targeting children with gambling advertisements due to the potential harm it can cause.
- The failure of 711 B.V. to report the ad violation immediately is another breach of regulations, as external notifications are mandatory in such cases.
- The KSA is currently cracking down on providers in an effort to protect young adults and prevent them from developing harmful gambling habits. A provider was recently fined €734,000 for failing to safeguard young adults from excessive gambling.
