The Netherlands’ gambling watchdog, the KSA, levied a €400,000 fine on JOI Gaming for promoting its services to minors.
JOI Gaming is a branch of JVH Gaming & Entertainment Group, a company that operates land-based casinos. The KSA’s inquiry revealed that JOI Gaming sent emails to its active clientele between December 8, 2021, and March 7, 2022, regarding its Jacks.nl online gambling platform. These emails included individuals under the age of 24. The emails contained details about games on Jacks.nl, along with bonuses available to players. The KSA stated that six additional unique promotional emails were also sent to all young adult players.
This action is deemed a breach of Article 2, Section 4 of the Dutch Gambling Act, which stipulates that licensed operators are prohibited from advertising or marketing to users between the ages of 18 and 24.
JOI Gaming responded to the accusations, acknowledging that it sent emails to young people, but claimed it had made it clear to players that it was a new online gambling operator that received its initial license in November 2021 and two additional licenses in February.
Nonetheless, JOI Gaming objects to the KSA’s determination that its service breaks Dutch legislation by reaching out to these players.
The KSA thoroughly examined JOI Gaming’s reply, but ultimately decided that it breached Dutch gambling laws because it contacted underage individuals and did not exclude them from promotional messages.
Consequently, the KSA levied a €400,000 fine on JOI Gaming, although the operator has the right to appeal the ruling.
“In our opinion, the law has made it clear that recruitment efforts should not target minors,” stated KSA chair Rene Jansen. “In December 2021, the KSA further highlighted the rules for advertising and recruitment activities for licensed providers.
“The KSA believes that the provider continues to focus on minors, which is unacceptable and must be denounced.”
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