Entain-owned BetCity hit with €400,000 fine by regulator in the Netherlands

The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has slapped Entain-owned BetCity with a €400,000 penalty for marketing failures.

The Dutch regulator established the operator had sent marketing emails to its customers, including those aged between 18 and 24, which contravenes advertising regulations in the market.

The KSA found that between 8 October 2021 and 16 March 2022, the operator sent marketing messages to its customer base, including young adults.

The investigation revealed BetCity frequently sent promotional messages, including bonuses, to young adults.

BetCity challenged the ruling, arguing that there was no violation and that the KSA had incorrectly interpreted the notion of targeting young adults.

The claim is similar to that of bet365’s back in March when the operator was also hit with a €400,000 penalty for advertising to young people.

However, as in the case of bet365, the KSA upheld its ruling and subsequently dished out the six-figure fine to the Dutch market leader.

René Jansen, KSA chair, said: “The law prohibits games of chance providers from targeting young adults with advertising.

“The KSA monitors this closely and with these four sanctions it once again underlines how important it is that providers of games of chance respect the rules that are intended to protect vulnerable target groups,” he added.

BetCity has the right to appeal against the decision.