The Dutch Gaming Authority (Ksa) has reprimanded BetMGM, a provider of online gambling, for an advertorial featuring an underage role model on a well-known news website. The advertisement featured the well-known footballer Lamine Yamal.

According to the law, providers of online gambling are not allowed to advertise with role models. They are also not allowed to address vulnerable groups, including minors.

The Ksa considers this type of advertising to be very harmful and violations of the advertising ban are taken seriously. The BetMGM advertising campaign, which was online for a short time, was carried out and published by the editors of the website. A media company affiliated with BetMGM discovered the violation and reported back to BetMGM.

The provider did not report this, but should have done so: licensees are obliged to inform the Ksa of errors on their part that could pose a danger to consumers.

The Ksa dealt with the violation with a warning, because BetMGM quickly ended the violation and took adequate measures to prevent recurrence. However, the Ksa emphasises that it remains the responsibility of providers to comply with the laws and regulations when they outsource advertising campaigns to external parties. Incidents must also be reported immediately, regardless of whether an internal investigation is already underway. If violations in the area of ​​advertising occur, the Ksa can take enforcement action, even if an external partner is involved.