The new hub has been published on UKGC’s platform under the “Compliance” tab. Its main purpose is to help operators collaborating with entities that are not licensed to fulfill their duties and carry on their responsibilities with more ease. 

Last month, the Commission announced its intention to fill in evidence gaps under the 2023-2026 plan, as a result of the much-anticipated launch of the White Paper. 

Offering Guidance and Information

The new test hub offers clear definitions of both the responsibilities and expectations of operators who do business with white-label partners and other parties that are not running under valid licenses. 

Information regarding the recommended practices that operators should follow to make sure that all Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LLCP) are carried out efficiently is also part of the new hub.

The decision to launch the hub in its testing phase came after the Commission imposed a number of fines and other punitive measures on several operators who had failed to conduct due diligence checkups on contracted third parties they were running contracts with. 

As a result, UKGC licensees have asked for a thorough review of the LLCP in order to determine the best regulations that would express the obligations that all gambling operators should comply with when working together with third parties. 

According to UKGC, licensees are directly responsible for the third parties they choose to collaborate with, which means the need to make sure the latters’ operations are perfectly aligned with these license conditions and codes of practice.

Operators Must Check Their Partners’ Reliability and Competence

As per the recommendations in the new test hub, gambling businesses should perform a series of due diligence inspections on all the third parties they currently work with or which they plan on working with in the future to determine their levels of trustworthiness and competence. 

Additionally, the commission asks all licensees that rely on third parties to conduct any aspect of their business in relation to the licensed activities to ensure they have “sufficient oversight and controls in place to ensure all activities are carried out in accordance with the LCCP, notably, but not exclusively, social responsibility and anti-money laundering requirements.”

Operators who fail to effectively control the third parties they work with could be subject to regulatory actions including the loss or temporary suspension of their license to operate in the UK. 

The information in the new hub also explains that online gaming operators holding a license are exclusively responsible for the compliance of all of their gambling platforms, including white-labeled websites, and that the responsibility cannot be transferred to other parties.

In May, the Commission fined SkillOnNet $380,000 over a series of license breaches. In January, TonyBet was given a $550,000 fine over a number of similar breaches. 

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By strengthening its technical capabilities, the KSA aims to bolster its ability to guarantee a fair and transparent gambling market. Despite the regulator’s outstanding results, it highlighted several legal oversights preventing it from operating at maximum effectiveness. If implemented, the changes will cement the Netherlands’ position as one of Europe’s safest gambling environments.

The Proposed Improvements Will Have a Notable Impact

The KSA’s request primarily concerns its ability to generate false ID documents. The regulator must first go through the National Identity Agency, which significantly hampers the process and can be vital in the fast-paced online gambling space. Access to fake IDs would grant the KSA full access to the services of iGaming operators, enabling rapid action against illegal entities.

The Netherlands’ regulator further recommended a comprehensive review of the outdated legislation surrounding land-based slot machines, bringing it in line with the current iGaming laws. Full access to the Control Database data on licensed operators was another priority, as it would allow the KSA to improve its supervision efforts, enhance enforcement and enable better advice on new policies.

We raise these points… so that the KSA will come even closer to a safe and responsible gaming environment that properly protects and informs Dutch players and combats abuse.

Kansspelautoriteit 

The KSA addressed its concerns directly to Dutch Minister for Legal Protections Franc Weerwind, asking for immediate amendments to the country’s Remote Gambling Act. If successful, the operator will gain improved tools to identify and take appropriate action against the unlicensed operators still present within the Netherlands gaming market.

Today’s Fluid Industry Requires Frequent Regulatory Updates

Such requests exemplify the KSA’s commitment to constant improvement. The regulator strives to remain up-to-date in the constantly evolving world of online gambling, relying on industry experts and a fluid, technology-minded approach to stay ahead of potential violations. Offending operators often receive substantial fines, while illegal entities face swift and decisive action.

Despite its effectiveness, legal restrictions limit the regulator’s flexibility and responsiveness. If approved, the KSA’s suggestions will improve detection and enable improved measures against unfair or deceptive practices that may harm players. Improved access to vital data should improve the authority’s monitoring capabilities, ensuring strict operator adherence to player protection measures.

The proposed measures will empower the regulator, maintaining the Netherlands’ position as one of Europe’s safest gambling jurisdictions. Through collaboration with the government and international cooperation, the KSA seeks to contribute to global efforts in creating a safe and socially responsible gambling environment.

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