The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has introduced new amendments to its Responsible Gaming Policy Rule. Under the new regulations, players aged between 18-24 will have a deposit limit of €300 (£255/$325), while those over the age of 24 will have a limit of €700.
New Limits to Enhance Player Safety
Announced on 3 June, these new deposit limits are considered a significant step towards creating a safer gambling environment, particularly for younger players. The revised Responsible Gaming Policy Rule was published in the Netherlands’ Official Gazette and took effect immediately. However, the specific deposit limits will be enforced starting 1 October, allowing time for necessary IT adjustments and for operators to hire new personnel to manage these changes.
Financial Checks and Exceptions
Beginning 1 October, operators will be required to perform financial checks on players aged 18-24 who deposit €300 or more and on those over 24 who deposit €700 or more. These checks are to ensure that players can afford such expenditures. If a player is deemed unable to afford the deposit, the operator must block any further deposits for that month. Exceptions to the €300 limit can be made in certain circumstances, such as for professional poker players who need to deposit higher amounts for tournaments.
Stricter Real-Time Monitoring
The amended policy also mandates stricter real-time monitoring of player behaviour. Both online and land-based operators must intervene within one hour if potentially harmful gambling behaviour is detected. This monitoring is required to be active 24 hours a day. Signs of excessive gambling include extended gambling sessions, continuous betting, and repeated deposits. Gambling for more than six hours per day is flagged as a potential risk.
Enhancing Addiction Prevention Policies
The KSA aims to strengthen the laws and regulations concerning recruitment, advertising, and addiction prevention policies of licence holders. The updated policy emphasizes timely intervention by operators to protect players from gambling harm. This move follows a study conducted by KSA in September 2023, which revealed that many operators failed to intervene promptly with players at risk of gambling harm.
Rationale Behind the Amendments
The KSA’s amendments stem from research and consultations conducted last year. The study involved ten operators and highlighted deficiencies in player monitoring and addiction prevention efforts. The regulator’s findings, alongside recent changes in gambling advertisement rules and a ban on role models in gambling promotions, prompted the creation of a draft amendment. This draft underwent a consultation process, receiving 33 responses from operators, trade bodies, and addiction experts, which primarily focused on addiction prevention.
Netherlands Tightens Gambling Regulations
These changes mark the latest effort by the Netherlands to tighten its gambling market regulations. In May, a coalition agreement proposed raising the gambling tax from 30.5% to 37.8%. In April, the Dutch House of Representatives voted to ban both online gambling advertising and “high-risk” online gambling, including slots. Furthermore, research by the Keurmerk Responsible Affiliates (KVA) found illegal operators accepting bets from minors, prompting expectations of a rigorous response from KSA.
The KSA has also recently issued fines to unlicensed operators, including a weekly fine of €280,000 to Sarah Eternal and a warning to Casbit for operating without a licence. These measures underscore the KSA’s commitment to maintaining a safe and regulated gambling environment in the Netherlands.
