meta_id 3380796

On an unspecified date, the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, Ksa) addressed Betcity and TOTO Winkel for breaching the prohibition on using role models in gambling advertising. The Ksa identified the violations during enhanced monitoring conducted around the FIFA World Cup football tournament. Both operators used recognisable references to professional footballers in their advertising materials. At Betcity, betting options were displayed alongside national football team shirts featuring the names and shirt numbers of well-known players, including Mbappé and Olise. Although the players themselves did not appear in the advertisements, the combination of name, shirt number, and national team attire created a clear association with these professional athletes. At TOTO Winkel, an in-store advertisement displayed the text "MBAPPÉ HATTRICK? WIN €100,- PLAY HERE" alongside a blue shirt bearing Mbappé's shirt number, similarly creating a recognisable association with the footballer. The Ksa enforces strict advertising rules for online gambling operators and licensed land-based sports betting providers to protect young people and at-risk or problem gamblers. These rules prohibit the use of role models—including current and former professional athletes, influencers, and other public figures—in advertising. The prohibition extends to advertisements that create a clear association with a role model through recognisable characteristics. Following the Ksa's intervention, both operators removed the offending advertisements immediately. TOTO Winkel also withdrew similar planned advertising campaigns. The Ksa continues to monitor compliance with these rules and takes enforcement action when licensed operators breach the role model prohibition.