The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has sanctioned One Casino and bet365 for illegally offering sports betting on football matches involving players under 21 years old, highlighting ongoing compliance challenges in the Dutch regulated market.
System Failures Behind Violations
Both operators violated the Wet op de kansspelen (Wok) by accepting wagers on youth football matches in 2025. Dutch law prohibits betting on sporting events where participants are under 21 due to heightened match-fixing risks, as younger players are considered more susceptible to manipulation.
KSA investigations revealed that One Casino incorrectly categorized an under-21 match as an international friendly due to a system registration error. The operator subsequently cancelled all related bets, compensated affected players, and announced additional safeguards.
Similarly, bet365 offered betting options on an under-21 football match through what the company described as a one-time registration error. The operator has since implemented automated systems to prevent recurrence and conducted comprehensive reviews of existing controls.
Legal Violation Details
Both One Casino and bet365 violated Dutch gambling law by accepting bets on football matches involving players under 21. This practice is strictly prohibited due to increased match-fixing risks, as younger players are considered more vulnerable to manipulation.
Regulatory Response and Industry Implications
The KSA emphasized zero tolerance for violations regardless of technical errors. The regulator stressed the need for continuous system monitoring and appropriate safeguards to prevent violations.
These cases demonstrate that operators must maintain robust systems and controls while implementing suitable safeguards against regulatory breaches.
The enforcement action coincides with the KSA's December publication of updated "Focus on Integrity" guidelines, designed to enhance sports betting integrity and reduce match-fixing risks across the Dutch market.
Compliance Best Practice
Operators must implement automated systems and continuous monitoring to prevent regulatory breaches. Technical errors are not accepted as valid defenses by the KSA, making robust system controls essential for maintaining compliance in the Dutch market.
What This Signals for Dutch Operators
This enforcement demonstrates the KSA's active monitoring of betting markets and zero tolerance for violations, even those resulting from technical errors. Operators should expect increased scrutiny of their system controls and age verification processes, particularly around youth sporting events where betting restrictions apply.
Warning
The KSA maintains zero tolerance for violations, even those caused by technical errors. Dutch operators should expect increased scrutiny of age verification processes and system controls, particularly around youth sporting events with betting restrictions.
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According to Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA).
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