KSA Prevails in Text Message Case

The Netherlands' gaming regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has prevailed in a federal court case related to text message promotions for offshore online betting, giving the group a victory related to advertising regulations.

The KSA claimed that text messages promoting bonuses and casinos is indeed a form of advertising, and thus should not be allowed in the country. The Council of State agreed, saying that text message advertising is not legal under current law, backing up a ruling that was issued by the District Court of The Hague that came down last year.

This case relates to Betsson subsidiary Content Publishing Limited, who had been sending out text messages to promote various offshore websites within the Netherlands. Word of this activity leaked out quickly, and the KSA issued a notice that the texts were in violation of the Gambling Act, and thus needed to be stopped. Content Publishing disagreed, and the case went to court for adjudication.

Now that there's clarification, it will be interesting to see if a fine or any other punishment will be handed down by the KSA. The country is slated to begin offering regulated online betting next year, and if Betsson wants in on the market, they'll likely have to pay up to be able to apply for a gaming license.

We'll be sure to update readers if a response to the case comes out.

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