KSA Issues Warning to TonyBet Over Illegal Betting Markets
KSA Warns TonyBet About Prohibited Betting Markets
The Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has issued a formal warning to the licensed operator TonyBet for offering betting markets that are not permitted under Dutch law. Although TonyBet was asked to remove the unauthorized betting options, no fines or penalties have been imposed at this stage.
Unauthorized Bets Offered by TonyBet
The KSA clarified that the problematic betting markets involved wagers on the outcomes of awards such as the Ballon d’Or and the Ballon d’Or awarded during the FIFA Club World Cup. These types of bets are banned in the Netherlands because the awards are determined by votes or jury decisions, rather than direct, measurable athletic performance.
Dutch regulations allow licensed gambling providers to offer bets only on objectively measurable results within official sports events organized by recognized bodies. Bets that do not meet these criteria are considered illegal under Dutch law.
Reprimand and Response from TonyBet
Following the KSA’s intervention, TonyBet acknowledged the error and confirmed that no bets were actually placed on the prohibited markets. The operator committed to stricter oversight in the future to prevent similar issues.
The KSA chose to issue a warning without further sanctions but stressed the importance of diligence from operators, including awareness of any third-party offerings they might host. The regulator also underscored that all licensed operators must proactively report such violations if they occur.
Updates on the KSA Advisory Board and Industry Outlook
Separately, the KSA recently replenished its advisory board by appointing two new members, Marjolein Hoogland and Ingmar Franken, each serving an initial three-year term. Their role is to provide expert advice and independent perspectives to the regulator.
Meanwhile, the KSA has voiced concerns over the recent Dutch gambling tax hike, describing it as ineffective since it has resulted in a decrease in gross gaming revenue (GGR) and consequently lower tax income.
