Dutch gambling licensees have been told they cannot offer bets on who gets the first yellow card or the first corner kick during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The warning came Tuesday in a letter from Michel Groothuizen, chairman of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the country's gambling regulator. The KSA also threatened immediate enforcement action against any operator that violates advertising and sponsorship rules tied to the tournament.
What the KSA letter says
Groothuizen's letter made clear that in-play bets on certain micro-events — specifically first yellow cards and first corner kicks — are not permitted under Dutch gambling rules. The regulator did not elaborate on the rationale, but the prohibition aligns with broader European concerns about match manipulation risks tied to very granular in-play wagers. The KSA has previously flagged such bets as vulnerable to abuse because they are hard to monitor and easy to influence.
Why the warning now
The World Cup, which kicks off in November, draws massive betting volume. Regulators across Europe have been tightening rules on in-play markets, and the KSA's letter appears to be a preemptive move. The timing also follows a political shift: four months ago, the D66/VVD/CDA coalition agreement grouped online gambling with other unspecified matters, signaling possible future restrictions. Groothuizen's letter didn't cite the coalition agreement directly, but the context suggests the regulator is acting before the tournament to avoid controversy.
What operators face
The KSA didn't mince words. Operators that breach the advertising or sponsorship rules — including promoting banned bet types — can expect immediate enforcement action. That could mean fines, license suspensions, or public reprimands. The regulator has been aggressive in recent years, hitting several companies with penalties for marketing violations. For this World Cup, the stakes are higher because the tournament generates a flood of ads and promotions.
The letter didn't specify a deadline for compliance, but operators are expected to adjust their offerings before the first match. The KSA has not yet commented on whether it will issue further guidance or monitor live betting platforms during the event.
