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The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has released a modified Responsible Gaming Policy Rule, aimed at enhancing the safety of the online gambling market.
The key changes include mandatory real-time monitoring of gambling behaviour and the introduction of financial deposit limits. These adjustments follow a KSA research report and consultations with industry stakeholders.
Effective immediately, the new policy requires online gambling providers to implement real-time monitoring to detect, analyse and intervene within one hour if there are signs of excessive gambling or potential addiction. This requirement is applicable 24/7 to ensure timely interventions and prevent gambling-related harm.
Additionally, the policy introduces financial deposit limits for players. Young adults aged 18 to 24 will have a monthly deposit limit of €300 ($325), while those aged 24 and older will have a limit of €700.
Providers must verify a player’s ability to afford further gambling before allowing deposits beyond these limits. If a player is deemed unable to afford additional deposits, the provider must block further deposits for the remainder of the month.
The revised policy is based on findings from a September 2023 KSA research report, which indicated that some providers were not adequately fulfilling their duty of care, particularly in timely intervention for excessive gambling.
The policy also reflects recent changes to advertising rules, such as the Orka Decision and the ban on using role models in gambling advertisements.
To ensure the feasibility of the new policy, the KSA conducted a consultation with stakeholders, including providers, trade associations and addiction experts – also reviewed 33 comprehensive responses primarily focused on addiction prevention.
While most provisions of the policy are effective immediately, certain articles related to the financial deposit limit will come into force on 1 October 2024. This delay allows providers time to make necessary IT adjustments and recruit additional staff.
In May 2024, the KSA announced stricter measures against illegal gambling machines, requiring operators to rectify violations within two weeks. This enforcement ensures compliance with slot machine operating licences and safeguards against gambling addiction and underage gambling.
The KSA has also been enforcing the role models ban in gambling advertisements, aimed at protecting young people. Two sports betting sites were recently reprimanded for using a famous footballer and a well-known actor in their promotions, in violation of this ban.
