Dutch Gambling Authority targets influencer LeftlanePapi for illegal gambling promotion

The Dutch Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit or KSA) is cracking down on influencers promoting illegal gambling, and they’ve just taken their first big step. Influencer LeftlanePapi is the first to face a penalty after ignoring a warning to take down videos that showed and promoted illegal online gambling sites.

The authority said in a translated statement: “Reports of influencers posting content on various social media platforms showing illegal gambling activities have been increasing recently.

“If the influencer continues to violate the rules, they will face a fine of €25,000 per violation, up to a maximum of €75,000.” – Dutch Gambling Authority

“The KSA takes these reports very seriously, as these influencers often target a (very) young audience with their content. If influencers fail to remove such content within 48 hours of receiving a warning from the KSA, sanctions will follow.”

LeftlanePapi’s YouTube channel reportedly featured livestreams of gambling with unlicensed operators. The KSA says the influencer didn’t just show the activity but actively encouraged viewers to join in. Even after receiving a warning, the videos stayed up and new ones kept popping up, which led the authority to step in more firmly.

“The KSA issued a warning, but since the content was not removed and new livestreams were created, the KSA has now imposed a penalty order. This requires all existing content to be removed and prohibits any new promotions.

“If the influencer continues to violate the rules, they will face a fine of €25,000 ($29,400) per violation, up to a maximum of €75,000 ($88,100),” the statement continued.

The KSA says this penalty order marks a shift in how it’s tackling illegal gambling content. The agency is now using a two-track approach designed to quickly get this kind of content off social media.

“Once a violation is identified, influencers receive a notice instructing them to cease their activities within 48 hours and remove illegal content. If they fail to do so, the KSA contacts the social media platform to ensure the harmful content is removed regardless. The influencer is then issued a penalty order, as in the case of LeftlanePapi. The KSA has already warned several other influencers,” it added.

The KSA stressed that it’s keeping a close eye on social media and won’t hesitate to take strong action when needed. Their main goal, they said, is to protect vulnerable groups, especially minors, from being exposed to illegal gambling promotions.

Featured image: LeftlanePapi via YouTube

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