Dutch Gambling Authority Introduces New Safe Gambling Agenda

The Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), unveiled its new agenda on Safe Gambling on February 26th. This agenda highlights key risk factors for players and outlines measures to minimize these risks.

Action Plan with Measures in Four Areas

The KSA’s action plan for safe gambling in 2024 focuses on four key areas. The first is monitoring player welfare and addiction prevention to protect players from risky or problematic gambling behaviors.

Additionally, the agenda aims to enhance control over illegal online gambling offerings. The KSA aims to convince at least 90% of players to choose legal gambling providers to weaken illegal gambling in the Netherlands.

To achieve these goals, the KSA will rely on partnerships, independent investigations, and physical interventions. Collaboration with local authorities and law enforcement will also strengthen efforts against physical illegal gambling in the Netherlands.

The action plan also holds gambling operators accountable, requiring them to timely and accurately submit necessary monitoring data to the KSA.

Additional Measures to Combat Problematic Gambling

The Dutch government and gambling authority have been working to improve player protection. Since July 1, 2023, gambling advertising on TV, radio, and in print media has been banned in the Netherlands. The government is considering a complete advertising ban, including online, sparking debate in parliament.

The gambling industry fears adverse effects from further regulations, claiming it would make legal gambling less attractive. Industry representatives also question the effectiveness of the proposed advertising ban.

KSA Aims to Enhance Player Protection

The KSA’s primary goal is to increase player protection by promoting responsible gambling practices. The focus is on penalizing operators that enable or encourage excessive gambling, particularly illegal providers. The KSA is committed to curbing all forms of unlicensed gambling, whether online or in physical establishments.

One action already implemented is the ban on Cashback bonuses, deemed risky by the KSA for potentially fostering excessive gambling. Operators offering Cashback bonuses have been warned, with significant consequences for further violations.