The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has advised online betting operators in the country to avoid a ‘bombardment of advertising’ during the FIFA World Cup.

In a blog post, KSA Chair René Jensen noted that Minister of Justice Franc Weerwind, who holds legislative responsibility for the Dutch gambling industry, had previously urged betting firms to ‘moderate their advertising’ around the tournament.

Weerwind is the most prominent political proponent of an upcoming clampdown on betting and gaming advertising, particularly relating to sports. The legislation will ban ‘untargeted advertising’ of ‘games of chance’ by 1 January 2023 and prohibit sports sponsorships by 2025.

Although noting that the forthcoming rules will not have a legal effect on World Cup marketing, and observing that the tournament is an ideal opportunity for betting companies to promote their offers, Jensen urged caution.