KSA contacts betting operators over misleading early payout terms

• The Kansspelautoriteit says online sportsbooks failed to make it clear that early payout bets do not apply to drawn matches.
• Operators have since updated their communications following direct intervention by the Dutch regulator.
• The review follows earlier KSA scrutiny of bet365 and OneCasino over prohibited markets involving players under 21.

The Dutch Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has taken action against online sports betting operators over inadequate communication of the conditions attached to early payout offers.

The KSA found that several operators had failed to clearly explain that their early payout markets are not applicable to drawn matches. While the limitation was present in the Terms and conditions, regulators determined it was not properly communicated at the point of placing a bet.

Confusion identified across the market

Early payout offers are popular throughout European betting markets, allowing customers whose chosen team goes two goals ahead to collect winnings before the final whistle. The KSA found that the gap between written terms and the practical experience of using the product created confusion for players.

“This creates confusion among players, who may assume that early payouts also apply to draws,” the KSA said.

“Providers are required to provide clear and understandable information about the possible outcomes of a bet, including the associated terms and conditions. The KSA determined that providers were not complying with this obligation when providing information about the ‘early payout’ feature.”

The regulator did not name the operators involved, but confirmed they have already taken corrective action.

“Providers that offer this feature have been contacted and have improved their communication so that players are now more clearly informed about the limitations of early payout for bets on draws,” the KSA added.

A broader pattern of scrutiny

The early payout review forms part of a wider programme of oversight by the KSA. The authority previously investigated prohibited betting markets offered by bet365 and OneCasino on an international friendly football match involving players under the age of 21.

Under Dutch regulations, markets involving under-21 players are banned due to match-fixing concerns. The KSA has also separately ordered bet365 to strengthen its affordability checks, reflecting continued scrutiny of the operator across multiple compliance areas.

The KSA has also scrutinised bet sharing tools, which allow bettors to distribute their selections to others via a link. The regulator raised concerns that such tools could expose vulnerable or younger players to betting platforms, widening potential harm beyond the original user.

“Because players with the “Share Your Bet” feature decide who to send their bet to, providers have no control over who receives the shared messages,” the regulator explained.

“This means that gambling providers cannot guarantee that vulnerable groups will not unintentionally encounter gambling advertising. Therefore, offering features like “Share Your Bet” is not permitted.”

Broader enforcement activity in the Netherlands has included fines totalling €4.98 million issued against two operators for separate compliance failures, and a €400,000 public fine handed to Joi Gaming over a role model advertising breach.

Consumer clarity at the core

The common thread across these enforcement actions is transparency. Dutch law requires licensed operators to communicate the rules of their products in a clear and accessible manner.

Failures in this area — even where terms are technically documented — have prompted direct contact from the regulator.

The KSA’s approach of addressing operators informally before escalating to formal enforcement reflects a preference for remediation over punishment where operators demonstrate willingness to comply.

Looking ahead, the regulator has signalled it will extend oversight to B2B suppliers in 2026, meaning platform and content providers operating in the Dutch market will face direct scrutiny for the first time.

The authority has also introduced a streamlined governance model for 2026 designed to make enforcement more consistent and targeted.