In line with its ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe gaming environment in the Netherlands, the Dutch Gaming Authority, known as Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has outlined new initiatives designed to strengthen the protection of vulnerable players from addiction. While efforts to curb gambling-related harm were already underway in 2023, with a notable ban on most forms of gambling advertising, the KSA is determined to further intensify its battle against addiction and illegal gaming activities.
One of the primary objectives detailed in the KSA’s latest agenda is the ambition to shift at least 90% of Dutch players towards legal gambling providers. This target underscores the regulatory body’s dedication to eliminating illegal online gambling offerings. However, criticism has surfaced regarding the current enforcement strategy’s effectiveness. Ismail Vali, chief executive of Yield Sec, in a December publication for iGB, hinted that the KSA’s past efforts have shown limitations in tangible enforcement results.
As it marches forward with its 2024 supervisory agenda, the KSA is pledging to augment the support provided to partners, including law enforcement and tax officials, especially in investigations focusing on physical gambling operations. It is believed that fostering closer collaboration among different organizations will address and reduce undermining operations and illegalities within the sector.
Data provision compliance is also atop the KSA’s priority list. The regulator is demanding data to be furnished in a timely, precise, and accurate manner, enabling a more efficient identification and response to potential infractions within the industry.
The topic of gambling advertising has been a contentious one in the Netherlands, with Derk Boswijk of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) party recently proposing a complete prohibition. Although the push for a more stringent restriction beyond the 2023 ban on untargeted advertising was not successful, it has underpinned the growing awareness and concern regarding the impact of gambling within Dutch society.
Measures toward player protection have been at the forefront of discussions, with the Netherlands Minister for Legal Protection, Franc Weerwind, announcing plans to shelter players from the dangers of problem gambling. One notable action is the requirement for operators to actively reach out to players once they set a deposit limit of €350, providing crucial information on the risks of significant gambling expenditures.
Early February saw the conclusion of the KSA’s consultations for a revision of the Responsible Gaming Policy Rules, with the introduction of the updated rules anticipated for April.
In addition, a significant digital resilience campaign to combat online gambling fraud was announced by Weerwind in October as an ongoing initiative over the next few years.
The gaming industry, despite supportive efforts toward responsible gambling, has expressed concerns over some of Weerwind’s propositions. Peter-Paul de Goeij, chairman of the Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA), cautioned that overly restrictive measures might render legal gambling unappealing. In parallel, Helma Lodders, chairman of the Licensed Dutch Online Gaming Providers (VNLOK), urged that any imposed regulations must be scrutinized for their effectiveness in minimizing the prevalence of problem gamblers, while still ensuring that legal offerings remain enticing enough to deter players from seeking out unauthorized alternatives.
Overall, the Dutch Gaming Authority’s enhanced supervision for 2024 bears the hallmark of a resolute approach, aimed at forging a safer and more accountable gaming landscape in the Netherlands. As the KSA forges ahead, balancing the dual imperative of player protection and maintaining the appeal of regulated gambling offerings remains the key challenge in the ever-evolving gaming sector.
