KSA Criticizes Betting Sites Over Coronavirus Ads

Netherlands gaming regulator Kansspelautoriteit is chastising illegal operators for promoting their services in the country as an attractive option for those stuck inside during the outbreak of Covid-19, which has caused all casinos in the Netherlands to close.

All licensed betting destinations in the country have been ordered to close as a measure to slow the spread of the virus, which has killed thousands throughout Europe. These closures are likely to press punters online, but the issue at hand is that regulated online betting isn't scheduled to go live in the country until next year. This has caused unlicensed betting sites to begin advertising their services, which has drawn the ire of the KSA.

Specific sites promoting their brands related to the virus weren't named.

Warning the offshore sites, the KSA issued a statement that reads: "We see that illegal online providers are trying to take advantage of the current situation; that is unacceptable. We have even seen consumers lured into what is known as a Corona-free offering. Completely objectionable.

"The parties that do this, the providers themselves as well as their advertisers, can count on the KSA's keen interest. Parties that use this type of practice can be assured that this will weigh heavily in a possible application for an online gambling licence."

The Netherlands has 2,051 cases of Covid-19 as of March 18th, with 52 deaths.