Dutch gambling authority Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) took action after spotting a gambling ad by Betca, operator of Circus.nl, inside the mobile game Tiny Tower—a clear violation of Dutch advertising rules.
Ad Misstep in Youth-Oriented Game
The ad promoted Circus.nl and appeared in a non-gambling environment accessible to minors and young adults, breaching Dutch regulations. These rules strictly prohibit gambling ads in digital spaces not meant for gambling, especially where younger audiences are present.
Immediate Response from Betca
Once notified by the KSA, Betca promptly removed the ad. The company blamed the placement on human error and has now introduced safeguards to avoid similar issues. According to Betca, the ad was meant exclusively for users over 24 who had already visited Circus.nl. However, its appearance in Tiny Tower, a casual game popular among younger players, violated the advertising guidelines.
Regulator Issues Warning, No Sanctions
The KSA accepted Betca’s explanation and noted the company’s quick response, opting not to impose any sanctions. Still, the regulator made it clear that it will continue monitoring Betca and other gambling operators for compliance.
This case adds to a growing wave of regulatory scrutiny in the Netherlands, including stricter oversight of illegal gaming machines and proposals for new age restrictions on high-risk gambling content.
