Dutch influencers were forced to remove a YouTube video in which they promoted an illegal gambling site. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Two influencers have been forced to remove a YouTube video advert promoting an illegal gambling operator following pressure from the Netherlands’ Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA).

The unnamed Dutch pair produced the video ad marketing the illegal website themselves. According to the gambling regulator, the influencers told their audience they sometimes played games on the illegal site. Under Dutch regulations, it is unlawful to promote participation in illegal gambling.

failed to cut the audio endorsing the gambling brand

In a news release, the KSA said the pair initially blurred out the gambling operator’s logo in their ad after receiving a first warning, but failed to cut the audio endorsing the gambling brand.  

After the KSA’s second and final warning, however, the influencers deleted the video from YouTube. The Dutch regulator warned that if it finds another violation in the future, it can “still impose a penalty or fine.”

The KSA’s latest show of power came after it recently ordered the Sauber Formula 1 team to lose all material branding unlicensed betting platform Stake ahead of the Dutch F1 Grand Prix.