An investigation conducted by Netherlands iGaming regulator, de Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has resulted in JOI Gaming receiving a fine of €400,000. The fine is a result of finding that the operator’s Jacks.nl online gambling website was conducting a marketing campaign with adverts targeting young adults.
In this instance, young adults means players under the age of 24 and is in breach of Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the Dutch Betting and Gaming act which says that operators cannot direct any advertising at users between the age of 18 and 24.
JOI Gaming breached this clause by sending emails that included information about games and bonuses on Jacks.nl to users under 24 years old. The operator admitted to sending the emails but pointed out that it made it clear to players that it was a new operator and they were an operator of games of chance. Therefore, JOI Gaming disagreed with the KSA’s conclusion that it breached the clause.
“As far as we are concerned, the legislator is crystal clear: no recruitment activities aimed at young adults,” KSA chairman René Jansen said. “In December 2021, KSA emphasised even more to licensed providers how the provisions on advertising and recruitment activities are intended.
“KSA considers it serious and culpable that this provider nevertheless focused on young adults.”
