The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gaming authority, has announced plans to improve the duty of care at gaming halls across the Netherlands. Following a series of inspections conducted in December 2023 and January 2024, KSA inspectors visited 20 gaming facilities to assess how effectively duty of care measures are being implemented.

Key Findings from Inspections

The findings revealed that while most gaming halls have taken steps to meet the duty of care requirements stipulated by the Remote Gambling Act (KOA Act), there are areas where implementation needs improvement. The KOA Act mandates that gaming halls must take measures to prevent and limit gambling addiction as much as possible. Despite the good intentions and policies in place, the practical application of these measures often needs to be revised.

One significant observation was that gaming halls generally know the personal circumstances and gambling behaviors of regular players. However, more proactive intervention is often needed. This includes addressing players directly, registering warning signs, and implementing necessary interventions.

Areas for Improvement

All inspected gaming halls recognized long playing times as a concerning signal, but the methods for monitoring this were only sometimes well-defined. Furthermore, the venues have yet to implement a maximum playing time, which is particularly important for arcades that are open 24 hours a day and have no natural stopping point for players.

Additionally, all the arcades that were visited allowed playing on multiple machines and the reservation of gaming machines. While not prohibited, these practices can contribute to excessive gambling behavior. Other indicators of excessive gambling, such as frequent and lengthy visits and a high number of debit card transactions, were not adequately monitored by several gaming halls.

Following the inspections, the KSA sent letters to each visited arcade detailing specific areas for improvement. The KSA has also announced that it will issue more detailed guidance for all license holders later this year, elaborating on the findings and providing specific attention to the duty of care in gaming halls. This guidance will be followed by stricter monitoring to ensure compliance.

KSA’s Commitment to Enhanced Oversight

The KSA’s initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the regulation of the Dutch gaming industry. With the market set to undergo significant revisions from October 1, these improvements aim to ensure that gaming halls adhere to high standards of care and contribute to safer gambling environments.

The KSA’s findings highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive measures in the gaming industry. By addressing the identified gaps and enhancing duty of care practices, the KSA aims to protect players and ensure responsible gaming. The upcoming guidance and stricter monitoring will be crucial in achieving these objectives.

Source:

Kansspelautoriteit stuurt aan op verbetering zorgplicht speelhallen, kansspelautoriteit.nl, July 4, 2024.

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The Netherlands’ regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has issued an updated Responsible Gaming Policy Rule, setting a new deposit limit of €300 for players aged 18-24 and €700 for players over 24.

Announcing the revised rules on June 3, KSA highlighted the new deposit limits as a significant advancement in fostering a safer gambling environment for young people.

Immediate Implementation and Future Changes

The Responsible Gaming Policy Rule was published in the Netherlands’ Official Gazette and took immediate effect. However, KSA noted that specific policies, including the deposit limits, will be implemented starting October 1. This delay allows for necessary IT adjustments and gives operators time to recruit new employees to manage the changes.

Starting October 1, operators must conduct financial checks on young players (ages 18-24) depositing €300 or more to ensure they can afford to gamble that amount. For those over 24, this threshold is set at €700. If a player cannot afford the deposit, the operator must block any further deposits for that month.

Operators can only deviate from the €300 limit in exceptional circumstances, such as for professional poker players needing to deposit larger amounts for tournaments.

Stricter Real-Time Monitoring

The revised Responsible Gaming Policy Rule also mandates stricter “real-time” monitoring of player behavior. Both land-based and online operators must intervene within an hour of detecting potentially harmful gambling behavior, such as excessive participation. This 24-hour monitoring aims to prevent gambling-related harm by addressing signs like:

• Gambling for extended hours at night
• Continuous betting
• Repeated depositing

The KSA defines gambling for over six hours a day as a potential sign of gambling harm.

“With this policy rule, the Gaming Authority aims to further flesh out the laws and regulations that apply to the recruitment and advertising activities of license holders and to the addiction prevention policy and its implementation by license holders, where applicable,” states the publication in the Official Gazette.

Rationale for Rule Amendments

In September 2023, KSA conducted a study on how ten operators managed their duty of care. The study involved collecting data on player monitoring, player behavior, and addiction prevention policies. The regulator found that operators did not consistently intervene with at-risk players in a timely manner.

The study’s findings, along with recent changes to gambling advertising rules and a role model ban, prompted KSA to draft amendments to its Responsible Gambling Policy Rule. The draft underwent a consultation process, receiving 33 responses from operators, trade bodies, and addiction experts. Most feedback focused on addiction prevention.

Netherlands’ Ongoing Regulatory Efforts

The amendments to the Responsible Gaming Policy are part of the Netherlands’ broader efforts to tighten gambling 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.

Additionally, research by the Keurmerk Responsible Affiliates (KVA) revealed that illegal operators in the Netherlands accepted bets from minors. Peter-Paul de Goeij, director of the Netherlands Online Gambling Association, anticipated a “rigorous” response from KSA following these findings.

KSA has also imposed several fines on unlicensed operators offering their services in the Netherlands. Notably, Sarah Eternal was fined €280,000 per week for operating without a license, and Casbit received a warning for a similar offense.

Source: “NL regulator sets €300 deposit limit for players aged 18-24”. iGaming Business. June 3, 2024

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The Netherlands’ Minister for Legal Protection, Franc Weerwind, has been urged to back a universal loss limit to the country’s Remote Gambling Act (KOA). Backed by the ChristianUnie (CU) Party, the measure seeks to make up for the deficiencies of the current safer gambling rules.

The proposal would introduce a universal loss limit across the 27 online gambling licensees in the Netherlands. This measure, according to the CU, is needed because the current rules have failed to prevent excessive online gambling.

The universal loss limit will apply across all operators in the country, preventing players from going to play with another operator once they hit the limit.

Mirjam Bikker, leader of the CU, emphasized that the measure has already secured majority support from many parties in the country, including the Christian Democratic Appeal, Conservative Reform Party, Dutch Socialist Party and Green Alliance.

The proposal was submitted to Weerwind who is currently responsible for the ongoing reform of the KOA.

Weerwind Says Such a Measure Would Be Difficult to Implement

Weerwind recently addressed the matter, confirming that he has received the CU’s request. However, the Minister for Legal Protection said that he doesn’t plan to advance the proposal to ministers.

According to Weerwind, a universal limit will be both time-consuming and too complicated to properly implement. Weerwind added that he believes lawmakers should instead concentrate on already existing proposals as the vote looms.

For reference, the minister previously proposed compulsory financial risk checks on player accounts that spend more than €350 a month. Approved by the Ministry of Justice, his proposals also include a €150 non-universal loss limit for customers under the age of 24.

However, the CU pointed out that, since there are 27 legal operators in the Netherlands, young people can still go to another operator once they hit the monthly €150 limit. As a result, they can still spend all their money on gambling.

Representatives of the CU and CDA critiqued Weerwind’s reluctance to tackle gambling addiction head-on and introduce the necessary measures to protect Dutch consumers. The latter party previously argued that the KOA has failed to protect local players from harm and must therefore be abolished.

In the meantime, the Netherlands continues its efforts to protect the safety of local gamblers. To that end, the country recently banned untargeted gambling advertisements, hoping to mitigate some of the damage.

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Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Gambling Authority of the Netherlands, has unveiled its 2022 Market Scan, providing insights into the performance and regulated activities of the Dutch gambling market. The document complements the KSA’s recent industry report, highlighting the need for updated responsible gambling practices to remain up-to-date with shifting trends.

Online Gaming Is Taking Center Stage

The 2022 Market Scan is the first opportunity for Dutch authorities to evaluate a year’s worth of data following the KOA online gambling marketplace’s official launch on 1 October 2021. According to the regulator, opening the market for online operators significantly affected the land-based gambling sector, as customers received unprecedented choices.

In 2022, online gambling contributed 31% of the total gross gaming revenue (GGR), with land-based properties comprising 69%. The land-based sector declined significantly by 30%, highlighting changing player preferences. The KSA was hopeful that land-based casinos could still be suffering the pandemic’s aftermath and might recover to pre-pandemic levels.

While significantly smaller than the casino segment, sports betting experienced substantial growth, generating a 260% increase in GGR, amounting to €319 million. Online bookmakers were responsible for 83% of this total. The 2022 scan revealed that the sports betting sector’s market share had grown from 4% in 2021 to almost 10% in 2022.

Kansspelautoriteit Remains Committed to Player Safety

The Netherlands’ gross gaming result for legal games of chance amounted to €3.4 billion in 2022, compared to a BSR of €2 billion in 2021. Part of this growth is due to the increase in online gambling. However, an increase in land-based supply compared to the previous year also contributed as casinos and other establishments reopened after the pandemic.

The KSA will use this data to remain in touch with the latest industry trends and adapt its policies to match rising challenges. The Authority regularly updates its regulatory framework, recently prohibiting operators from advertising on publicly visible spaces and media. Moreover, KSA will conduct rigorous checks to ensure that operators target an audience aged 24 or older. 

KSA’s 2022 Market Scan demonstrates record growth in GGR but also reveals a constantly shifting gambling landscape. This data will be vital in crafting 2023’s regulatory adjustments and ensuring operators follow responsible gambling practices. The regulator’s continued vigilance remains instrumental in giving Dutch customers adequate protection as operators achieve sustainable growth.

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The renowned provider of content for the online gambling industry, Booming Games, continues its expansion in Europe after signing a new deal with Holland Casino Online, a leading operator in the Netherlands. The company confirmed Tuesday that it agreed to supply a wide range of diverse games, powering the operator’s offering.

The latest collaboration expands Booming Games’ presence in the Dutch market and marks an important milestone in its expansion across the Old Continent. Thanks to the new partnership, Holland Casino’s Dutch customers will be able to experience thrilling titles from the leading iGaming content supplier.

In addition to propelling the reach of Booming Games, the latest collaboration provides a vital boost for the leading online gambling operator. Moreover, the deal between the duo seeks to propel their expansion not only in the Netherlands but in other regulated gambling markets, bringing mutual success.

The expansion in the Netherlands comes after back in August, Booming Games was cleared for launch in Denmark, another important regulated market in Europe. The aforementioned clearance enabled the iGaming content provider to supply its games to licensed Danish operators, boosting further its European presence.

The Deal Represents a Milestone Achievement for Booming Games

Nicolas Fleiderman, Holland Casino’s manager, was delighted to see the company forge this new partnership with Booming Games. He spoke about the quality of the iGaming provider’s offering, saying that it will exceed the expectations of the Dutch players. Finally, Fleiderman predicted that the collaboration would bring success to the duo.

“We would like to warmly welcome Booming Games. Given Booming Games’ reputation, we believe Booming Games’ offering can exceed our players’ expectations.“

Nicolas Fleiderman, manager at Holland Casino Online

Frederik Niehusen, Booming Games’ chief commercial officer, was similarly delighted regarding the new deal with Holland Casino. He acknowledged that the partnership represents a milestone achievement for the company. “Holland Casino Online distinguishes itself by offering the utmost safety, fairness, and trust in the online betting realm for Dutch players,” added Niehusen. Last but not least, he said that this deal will propel the presence of Booming Games in the Dutch market and strengthen its position within the growing gambling sector.

In August, Booming Games announced another Dutch-facing deal by teaming up with Bingoal. At the time, the iGaming content provider agreed to provide player-favorite games for customers of the popular iGaming brand, strengthening its offering for Dutch players.

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The Netherlands opened its online gambling market in October 2021. This enabled licensed operators in the country to offer their services legally to Dutch customers while adhering to the established regulations. Now, the gambling regulator in the Netherlands, the Dutch Gaming Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), revealed that a new operator secured a license to offer its services.

On Monday, the regulator revealed that it awarded Hommerson Amusement BV with a Dutch gambling license. This in other words means that the operator can now legally offer games of chance via the internet to customers in the country.

Although Hommerson Amusement secured a license, it is yet to be confirmed which domain name would be used by the new operator. The KSA revealed that once the operator confirms its domain name, it will be added to its Gambling Guide, an online register that lists all providers that are allowed to offer legal games of chance in the Netherlands. For the convenience of the users, the gambling regulator has listed all licenses, including their trading name and domain or domains.

The latest license complements the growth of the regulated gambling market in the Netherlands. Securing the approval designated Hommerson Amusement as the 27th legal Dutch online gambling services provider.

“The Gaming Authority (Ksa) has granted a license to Hommerson Amusement BV to offer games of chance via the internet. This is the 27th permit for an online provider that the KSA has granted,“

reads a statement released by Kansspelautoriteit

The Gambling Regulator Continues to Monitor the Market

Besides licensing, the Dutch gambling regulator oversees compliance. It also actively monitors the market, proposing best practices that can reduce gambling harm and excessive gambling from customers in the country.

Last month, the KSA urged gambling operators in the Netherlands to do more to protect their clients. The call came from the regulator’s chairman, René Jansen, who unveiled details regarding a new probe into the gambling sector. At the time, he encouraged licensed gambling operators to implement more measures to protect their customers from excessive gambling and harm.

Additionally, Jansen warned about the dangers of the illegal gambling markets. He reiterated that illegal gambling operators do not adhere to any player protection rules and have no duty of care to protect the consumers.

Late last month, Prof. Dr. Arnt F.A. Schellekens, the National Rapporteur on Addictions, pitched 22 points to reform gambling. The recommendations included mandatory playing limits and ramped-up player protection, among other important changes.

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The authority’s recent actions came in response to a licensed operator offering clients cashback bonuses. Dutch law prohibits such practices, forcing the offending entity to terminate the promotion. However, the incident raised significant concern that other gambling companies may also be violating the ban, prompting an in-depth investigation by the KSA.

Violations May Be More Common than Expected

November 2022 saw the KSA issue a clear directive to all licensed online gambling providers, mandating the cessation of offering bonuses in the form of cashback. According to Dutch law, these bonuses are classified as advertising and are strictly prohibited. The primary rationale behind this ban is to prevent problem gambling and promote responsible gaming practices.

A recent incident involving a licensed entity offering cashback bonuses led to a broader investigation by the KSA. This market-wide examination aims to identify any other permit holders who may violate the ban. According to the regulator, offenders who do not immediately cease the practice risk enforcement action for endangering the public.

(Cashback bonuses) contribute to taking more risks and lowering the threshold for gambling, for example, by playing with higher stakes or playing more often.

Kansspelautoriteit statement

The KSA is determined to ensure that all operators adhere to the established rules, promoting a fair and responsible gaming environment. Kansspelautoriteit’s ongoing vigilance and proactive approach help the authority promptly identify and rectify regulatory breaches. This commitment extends to all aspects of online gambling, prompting the recent harsh response.

Regulatory Vigilance Remains Paramount for a Healthy Market

A robust regulatory environment remains vital to the Netherlands’ status as one of Europe’s safest gambling markets. Earlier this month, the KSA warned several gambling operators for violating the country’s recent restrictions on untargeted gambling advertisements. The affected promotional material ceased to appear following regulatory intervention, resolving the issue without the need for fines.

While scrutiny remains vital to a healthy gambling ecosystem, it also poses some drawbacks. Betsson Group recently withdrew its application for a Netherlands license as the process proved too lengthy and costly. Despite such cases, consumer safety must remain a priority for any regulator, creating a safe ecosystem where players can enjoy online gaming responsibly and without pressure.

The ban on cashback bonuses is just one aspect of KSA’s mission to keep operators in check. The regulator’s enforcement efforts underscore the importance of maintaining high industry standards that apply equally to all industry stakeholders. Such initiatives help the Netherlands remain a thriving and sustainable online gambling market that benefits operators and players.

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The Dutch gaming regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has issued stern warnings to several gambling operators for flouting the country’s recent restrictions on untargeted gambling advertisements in August. 

KSA Issues Warnings Instead of Fines for Gambling Ad Violations

The crackdown came in response to multiple reports received by the KSA, revealing that various online gambling providers were still displaying advertisements on public billboards and bus shelters in violation of the new regulations.

Rather than immediately imposing fines, the KSA had initially informed these operators about the updated advertising guidelines, urging them not to push the boundaries of the law. It was made clear that any blatant infringements would result in enforcement actions. Once alerted to the violations, the KSA promptly contacted the concerned gambling providers. Following their prompt and cooperative responses, the regulator decided to issue warnings instead of pursuing penalties.

The affected advertisements ceased to appear following the KSA’s interventions, thus resolving the issue without the need for fines.

As the Dutch authorities continue to enforce these advertising restrictions, the KSA remains vigilant, aiming to create a gambling environment that safeguards vulnerable individuals and upholds the new rules governing untargeted gambling advertisements in the Netherlands.

KSA Introduced Rigorous Rules for Dutch Gambling Ads

The Dutch ban on untargeted gambling advertisements stipulates that such promotions are not permitted in public spaces or areas accessible to the public. This restriction extends to billboards, bus shelters, cinemas, arcades, and casinos. Furthermore, advertising on television and radio is strictly prohibited under the new regulations.

Nevertheless, the rules do allow gambling operators to advertise under rigorous conditions via various platforms, including the Internet, direct mail, and social media. However, these advertisements must adhere to strict age-related targeting requirements, with the goal of reaching an audience where at least 95% of viewers are over the age of 24. Sponsorships are also affected, with transitional periods for existing contracts.

Prior to the ban’s implementation, the KSA had adopted a somewhat hands-off approach, preferring to provide limited guidance and encouraging operators to take the lead in complying with the new rules. In anticipation of the ban, the Dutch gambling industry had also created a new set of self-regulation guidelines, known as the advertising code for online games of chance, to align their practices with the impending regulations.

Rene Jansen, Chairman of the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA), discussed upcoming changes in gambling regulation at a gaming conference in June. He emphasized the importance of data vault systems (CDBs) for Anti-Money Laundering compliance and highlighted that the new advertising regulations allow land-based operators to continue advertising their land-based offerings but, if they are also operational online, their ads must be notably different from online ads.

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Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix announced that Jacks.nl, a Dutch gambling company, will serve as one of its principal sponsors. From 2024 onwards, the operator will join the list of the Dutch Grand Prix’s partners, which includes major companies such as Pon, Heineken, Radio 538 and Jumbo.

Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix’s sporting director, Jan Lammers, praised Jacks.nl as a company “with passion for motorsport.” He said that the two parties share the same values, which is why Jacks.nl is a welcome addition to the Dutch Grand Prix family.

Lammers said that the partnership is set to “add a new dimension” to the experience during the week at Zandvoort.

Jacks.nl representatives also shared their thoughts on the tie-up with Eric Olders, the operator’s board chairman, highlighting his team’s commitment to the racing and sports sectors. According to him, the new partnership suits his company perfectly.

Olders promised that Jacks.nl will work besides the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix to promote the operator’s services in a safe and responsible fashion.

The fantastic combination of the excitement and entertainment at the Dutch Grand Prix is what you see reflected in the gaming experience that we also offer with our services. And then obviously just like in Formula 1 with the right measuring instruments and safety measures to be able to experience that excitement in a controlled way.

Eric Olders, chairman, Jacks.nl

Motorsport is in JVH’s Capillaries

Norbert Kout, chief marketing officer at JVH gaming & entertainment, Jacks.nl’s parent company, also commented on the matter. He noted that the group has been active in the motorsport sector for years.

Kout pointed to JACK’s Racing Day on the circuit in Assen as one of the events sponsored by the company, as well as to the media partnership with Ziggo Race Café, which is broadcast around all Grand Prix events. Finally, he noted that his team also sponsors Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux. The CMO concluded that the aforementioned deals highlight JVH’s commitment to motorsports.

Kout concluded: “So car and motorsport is in our capillaries. The big step to the Dutch Grand Prix is actually a logical continuation of what we already do in racing.”

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Provider of casino content Red Rake Gaming announced today a new partnership in the Netherlands, teaming up with JOI Gaming to solidify its foothold in the country.

‘Experience, Love and Attention to Detail’

The agreement with JOI Gaming, a brand that is expected to launch across JACKS.NL later this month, will see a diverse selection of Red Rake Gaming’s localized games made available to online casino players in the Netherlands.

Commenting on the new business partnership, JOI Gaming’s head of Gaming and Retention, Sjoerd Kranz, hailed the quality of gaming content provided by Red Rake Gaming, delighted to have the opportunity to offer its games to players in the Dutch market.

“The experience, love and attention to detail the Red Rake team has put into their games is showing and converting into an optimal playing experience,” Kranz said, believing that the availability of Red Rake Gaming titles on JACKS.NL will further strengthen the website’s portfolio and “create a strong extension to the product offering” of the platform.

Feature-Rich, Engaging Titles

The selection of games offered across JACKS.NL will include the provider’s record-breaking title, Super 25 Stars, an action-packed slot game combining feature games and bonus rounds from all preceding games in the Super series that have been deployed across numerous casino and arcade markets and well received by players.

We could not be more thrilled to partner with JACKS.NL, who are a dominating force in the Dutch market thanks to their player-first approach and delivery of the best service to their players.

Nick Barr, MD, Red Rake Gaming Malta

Barr is confident that the new casino content will contribute to JACKS.NL’s continued growth.

Lady Forest, a game that gives players a million ways to win, Guardian of Ra, 2 Kings of Africa, and Medusa Hunt will be the other popular titles that the casino content supplier will provide under the agreement to enrich the product offering at JACKS.NL.

The partnership with JOI Gaming is the latest for Red Rake Gaming as the casino content supplier is looking to expand its presence in Europe and globally, helping operators entice players with feature-rich and engaging games.

Last month, Red Rake Gaming added to its roster of B2B gaming partners PokerStars after an agreement to power the PokerStars Casino platform across multiple European regulated markets such as Spain, Italy, Romania, and the UK, with its popular titles, including the Super slot series and the player-favorite genre, 1 million ways to win.

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