The landscape of online gambling in the Netherlands is poised for a transformative shift, with the Dutch Gaming Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), and the incumbent Minister Frank Weerwind (Legal Protection) advocating for stricter regulations. These proposed changes, embedded in the updated Responsible Gaming Policy Rules, aim to intensify player protection and ensure responsible gambling practices across the board.
The Ksa's recent initiatives are a response to a comprehensive study involving ten gambling providers, focusing on the implementation and adherence to the duty of care. The study's revelations about the insufficient and sometimes delayed interventions in cases of excessive gaming or emerging addiction have propelled the Ksa to refine the Responsible Gaming Policy Rules. These amendments are designed to clarify certain open norms in the legislation, compelling providers to fortify their commitment to the duty of care. Now under consultation, these rules seek to gauge the feasibility of implementation from various stakeholders, including addiction experts and providers.
One of the pivotal aspects of the new policy rules is the recognition and response to patterns of excessive gambling. Providers are mandated to identify signs of compulsive gambling within an hour, addressing the issue of delayed detection and its consequent risks. In terms of financial limits, the rules are clear: a player depositing more than €700 in a calendar month (€300 for young adults aged 18-24) must provide proof of income before making further deposits. Furthermore, Minister Weerwind has introduced the notion of a 'personal contact moment' for users wishing to raise their playing limit beyond €350 per month, or €150 for younger players. This measure, coupled with the automatic logout for players reaching their play or time limits, underscores a proactive approach to fostering responsible gambling.
Additionally, the updated rules cast light on the prohibition of using role models in advertising and non-targeted advertisements, offering more detailed guidance on advertisements targeting vulnerable groups like minors and young adults.
The impending changes are attracting significant attention, not just from casino brands but also within the affiliate site community. Among these is the gambling portal Gamblorium, which boasts successful operations in markets including the Netherlands, the UK, Sweden, Germany, and others. Nodar Giorgadze, CEO of Gamblorium, voiced concerns about the potential impact of these regulations. “The intention behind these regulations is undoubtedly commendable, yet the potential repercussions demand careful consideration. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our observations in the Swedish market, specifically when deposit limits were set at 5000 SEK (approximately 440 euros) per week, indicated a marked increase in searches for casinos without deposit limits in Sweden. This trend inadvertently directed players towards unlicensed operators. We anticipate a similar pattern emerging in the Netherlands. It would be wise for affiliate sites to adapt to these shifts, perhaps by creating pages targeting "no deposit limit casinos". We expect these pages to generate substantial traffic. Additionally, considering that unlicensed casinos often lure players with more attractive bonuses and a broader range of deposit options, their appeal is likely to surge if these new regulations come into effect,” Nodar Giorgadze explained, shedding light on the nuanced interplay between regulatory measures and market dynamics.
These proposed regulations are set for a gradual rollout, with the earliest implementation envisaged for the autumn of 2024. The Ksa has extended the feedback window for the consulted parties until April 1, 2024, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive deliberation process. As the online gambling sector in the Netherlands stands on the cusp of these significant changes, the balance between stringent regulation and maintaining a healthy market ecosystem remains a pivotal narrative for stakeholders and industry observers alike.
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