NEWS
26 January 2023
The Ksa fines JOI Gaming €400,000 for targeting advertisements at young adults
By Louis Thompsett

The Ksa has established that JOI Gaming sent advertising messages for online games of chance on its website, www.jacks.nl, between 8 December 2021 and 7 March 2022.  

The authority has adjudged that these advertisements were directed at the company’s young customer base.  

In its ruling, the Ksa firmly states: “This is not allowed. The law explicitly includes the protection of young adults, because they run a greater risk of gambling addiction. Enforcing the ban on advertising aimed at young adults is one of the Ksa's priorities.” 

René Jansen, Ksa Chairman, added: “As far as we are concerned, the legislator is crystal clear: no recruitment activities aimed at young adults.  

“In December 2021, the Gaming Authority emphasised even more to licensed providers how the provisions on advertising and recruitment activities are intended.  

“The Gaming Authority considers it serious and culpable that this provider nevertheless focused on young adults.” 

In November 2022, the Ksa warned three betting operators after they offered prohibited bets on FIFA 2022 World Cup matches.  

Illegal wagers offered by one of the companies related to the number of yellow cards given by a referee during a match, which is banned in the Netherlands because it is seen to be ‘sensitive to match-fixing.’ 

However, a month earlier the regulatory body commended operators for “observing" the rule which bans celebrities from featuring in gambling ads.  

This commendation came after the Ksa investigated licensees’ marketing activities.