(AsiaGameHub) –   The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling authority, has announced intensified monitoring of gambling advertising and betting products in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026, cautioning operators that any violations will result in immediate enforcement action.

The KSA reminded all licensed operators of the existing regulations governing non-targeted gambling advertising and sports event sponsorships. It also reiterated the ongoing prohibition of certain micro-betting markets under Dutch law.

The KSA’s primary objective during this period is to safeguard vulnerable individuals, particularly young adults, who are likely to be affected by an increase in betting activity driven by major international football events.

According to Michel Groothuizen, licensed operators should be aware of their responsibilities to promote responsible gambling practices while simultaneously leveraging the commercial opportunities presented by the World Cup.

Groothuizen also noted a significant surge in gambling activity during the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Championships, indicating that the upcoming World Cup offers a suitable period for licensed operators to conduct customer acquisition campaigns.

The KSA further reaffirmed its commitment to escalating enforcement efforts against unlicensed operators and affiliates that promote illegal gambling services.

These renewed warnings from the KSA emerge as the current Dutch coalition government is contemplating a complete ban on all forms of sports advertising, in conjunction with its proposed reforms for the gambling industry.

Outside of Europe, Indonesian authorities have issued similar public warnings ahead of the World Cup concerning illegal sports betting, driven by concerns over the continued expansion of illegal online gambling operations within Indonesia.