Key Moments:
- 711 has been reprimanded by the Kansspelautoriteit for using a prominent influencer in its marketing.
- The Dutch regulator found that tournament entries occurred automatically without clear player registration or agreement to bonus terms.
- 711 has ended the influencer partnership and discontinued the tournament format in question.
Regulatory Scrutiny on Marketing Practices
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has issued a warning to Dutch gambling operator 711 after the company featured a popular influencer in its promotional materials. The influencer, known for video game streaming and engaging with audiences under 18, was found to be in violation of advertising rules prohibiting role models with strong appeal to minors. As a result, the regulator required 711 to take down all associated content.
711 stated that it has ended its collaboration with the influencer and is in the process of removing all related material from its platforms.
Bonus and Tournament Setups Under Investigation
The KSA also reviewed the structure of 711’s tournaments, finding that players were automatically entered into competitions without giving explicit registration or agreeing to bonus conditions. According to the regulator, this approach may promote excessive gambling by removing intentional decision-making from the player’s experience.
In response, 711 has ceased operating tournaments with this automatic entry system.
Ongoing Tightening of Dutch Industry Regulations
The Dutch market remains subject to strict regulations regarding gambling advertising and player incentives. Since 2022, it has been illegal for operators in the Netherlands to use role models, celebrities, or other individuals with major youth appeal in gambling advertisements. Bonus and incentive mechanisms that could lead to repeated or unintended player involvement are also monitored closely by authorities.
711 has begun implementing changes following the KSA’s intervention. This situation highlights the regulator’s proactive stance on enforcing some of the region’s toughest compliance standards.
| Issue | KSA Finding | 711’s Response |
|---|---|---|
| Influencer Use in Marketing | Violated ban on role models appealing to minors | Terminated partnership and started removal of content |
| Tournament Structure | Automatic entry without player consent or awareness of bonus terms | Discontinued the tournament format |
- Author
Daniel Williams
