The Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, or Ksa) has launched a targeted enforcement campaign against gambling influencers who promote illegal online gambling activities on social media. The first formal penalty has been issued to influencer LeftlanePapi, marking a significant step in the regulator’s efforts to protect young audiences from unlicensed gambling content.
Ksa Targets Influencers Promoting Illegal Gambling
The Ksa reports a growing number of complaints about influencers sharing videos and livestreams of illegal gambling on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. These influencers often glamorize unlicensed gambling operators and directly encourage their followers—many of whom are minors or young adults—to participate.
“We take these reports very seriously,” the Ksa stated. “Influencers have a powerful reach, especially among younger audiences. Promoting illegal gambling is not only irresponsible—it’s unlawful.”
LeftlanePapi Penalized for Repeated Violations
On the YouTube channel LeftlanePapi, the influencer was found to have:
- Livestreamed gameplay on illegal gambling websites
- Actively promoted these sites to viewers
- Ignored a formal warning from the Ksa to remove the content
Because the content remained online and new streams were posted after the warning, the Ksa has now imposed a penalty payment order. The influencer must:
- Remove all existing illegal gambling content
- Cease all future promotion of unlicensed operators
Failure to comply will result in a €25,000 fine per violation, up to a maximum of €75,000.
Two-Track Enforcement Strategy
The Ksa has adopted a dual-track enforcement policy to combat illegal gambling promotion:
- Direct Warning to Influencers
Influencers are given 48 hours to remove illegal content and cease promotional activity after receiving a formal notice. - Escalation to Platforms + Penalties
If the influencer fails to comply, the Ksa will:
- Contact the social media platform to have the content removed
- Impose a financial penalty on the influencer
This approach was applied in the case of LeftlanePapi, and the Ksa confirms that several other influencers have also been warned.
Ongoing Monitoring and Enforcement
The Ksa continues to monitor social media platforms for violations and encourages the public to report suspicious gambling promotions. The regulator emphasizes that promoting illegal gambling is a serious offense—especially when it targets vulnerable or underage users.
“We will not hesitate to act against those who endanger public safety and violate Dutch gambling laws,” the Ksa concluded.
