New measures announced

The Dutch government is calling for stricter rules for online gambling to help protect players.

Led by Minister for Legal Protection Franc Weerwind and the Dutch Gambling Authority, otherwise known as De Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the two are attempting to stop the rise in the number of problem gamblers in the Netherlands. Weerwind and the KSA have announced new measures, including placing a monthly limit of €700 ($766) for online betting.

permit gambling sites to ask players for “evidence of income”

The KSA also wants to permit gambling sites to ask players for “evidence of income” if they deposit more than €700 each month. This is to determine whether players can afford what they’re gambling with. For 18-to-24-year-olds, the limit would be set to €300 ($328).

Presently, players in the Netherlands can set their own limits once they’ve registered with the gambling sites. The new measures aren’t definitive yet, but they are expected to be put in place next year.

Doing more to help

In the Netherlands, 60,000 Dutch players have self-excluded from gambling for six months. However, gambling companies often fail to detect their customers’ gambling habits, resulting in gamblers spiraling out of control.

betting companies would have to detect excessive gambling within the hour

With the newly proposed measures, betting companies would have to detect excessive gambling within the hour. Companies would also need to engage with players and inform them of the potential risks and support available.

Since 2021, companies have been allowed to legally offer online gambling, but under the condition that they step in when customers are gambling too much. According to the KSA, betting organizations have not been doing this enough while a national advisor on addiction has called for “quick action.”

Setting the bar high

The Netherlands has taken firm steps to ensure that the gambling industry is a safe and fair place for gamblers.

In September 2021, it approved the first ten licenses for its online gambling market following the passing of the Remote Gambling Act. At the time, KSA chair René Jansen said “high requirements” were being placed on those applying for a license, including addiction prevention and consumer protections.

Unlicensed betting companies that continue to offer services to Dutch players face KSA fines of up to €600,000 ($656,000). If their annual turnover exceeds €15m ($16.4m), the KSA will fine them 4% of the stated amount.