Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates Warns of Illegal Gambling Targeting Young People

The Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates (KVA) has published a research article revealing that illegal gambling operators and their affiliates are increasingly targeting young people. The study shows that minors are being actively enticed to participate in illegal online gambling through livestreams, social media platforms, and closed online communities.

On platforms such as Discord, Telegram, TikTok, and Instagram, young people are confronted with offers designed to draw them into illegal gambling. Operators use affiliates and influencers to promote generous bonuses, crypto payment options, and exclusive campaigns. Psychological pressure tactics are frequently employed, including peer pressure that suggests those who do not participate are missing out, fake winnings that create an illusion of large prizes, and limited-time campaigns designed to push minors into impulsive decisions. A particularly notable example is the Back-2-School bonus campaign, which specifically targets pupils and students.

Influencers and streamers play a pivotal role in these recruitment efforts. During livestreams, they showcase so-called “big wins” and circulate affiliate links to illegal casinos. Within private chat groups, these links are often accompanied by misleading messages promising quick profits.

Previous research conducted by the KVA in May and November 2024 demonstrated that minors can easily deposit money at illegal casinos using youth bank accounts from Dutch banks, highlighting that these operators actively allow underage players. Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant reported in 2024: “Minors can gamble without limits and without protection via illegal operators – precisely this group runs a high risk of addiction.”

The KVA emphasizes the urgent need to protect young people from these harmful practices. Steven Vrolijk, a representative of KVA, stated: “The gambling sector has, by now, become used to the large-scale presence of illegality. But cases like this, where the open recruitment of minors takes place, are still a real shock. It underlines the urgent need for cooperation in the fight against illegal operators, as is currently being done within the Alliance at the Kansspelautoriteit.”

Through this research, the KVA aims to raise awareness among parents, policymakers, and regulators about the dangers posed by illegal gambling marketing aimed at minors, and the critical importance of coordinated protective measures.

By fLEXI tEAM