Dutch Regulator Unveils New Gambling Rules Effective October 1

Dutch Regulator Confirms Stringent New Technical Requirements for Gambling Operators

In a move to enhance player protection and promote responsible gambling, the Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has officially confirmed the implementation of new technical requirements that will come into force on October 1. These stringent rules, part of the broader amendments to the Remote Gambling Act, are designed to curb compulsive gambling by introducing stricter controls on player deposits and mandatory monitoring of gambling behavior. As the KSA rolls out these new measures, gambling operators in the Netherlands must adapt quickly to ensure compliance and safeguard player well-being.

Stricter Deposit Limits and Mandatory Checks

One of the key changes in the new regulations is the introduction of mandatory deposit checks for players who deposit over €350, or €150 for those under 25. These checks are designed to assess a player’s financial well-being and gambling behavior before allowing further deposits beyond the threshold. The KSA has set maximum deposit limits of €700 for players over 25 and €300 for those under 25, emphasizing the importance of tracking customer deposits to enforce these limits effectively.

The regulator has made it clear that if a player exceeds their net deposit limit during a single deposit, operators are expected to block further deposits for the rest of the calendar month. This measure is intended to prevent players from overspending and falling into the traps of compulsive gambling. However, the KSA allows for flexibility, noting that operators can permit players to wager above the limit if it is deemed responsible and aligns with their duty-of-care obligations.

Emphasis on Data Privacy and Player Monitoring

In addition to deposit checks, the KSA has underscored the importance of data protection in the new regulations. Operators are responsible for handling player data and determining how it can be used to conduct these checks. The KSA has advised operators to consult the Dutch Data Protection Authority to ensure that their practices comply with national data protection laws.

Another critical aspect of the new rules involves the treatment of prizes in deposit calculations. The KSA has advised operators to consider the broader financial context of a player when deciding whether to count prizes as part of deposits. Specifically, the regulator highlighted that if a player uses more than 30% of their liquid assets to gamble or loses a significant portion of a large cash prize, it should be seen as a potential indicator of excessive gambling behavior.

New Pop-Up Warnings and Player Responsibility

The KSA also clarified the new requirements for pop-up warnings that inform players about their gambling behavior and spending. While these warnings are mandatory, the KSA emphasized that they do not replace the operator’s duty-of-care responsibility to monitor and act on signs of potential gambling harm. The regulator expects operators to take a proactive role in safeguarding players by ensuring these warnings are part of a broader strategy to maintain player well-being.

As the October 1 deadline approaches, gambling operators in the Netherlands face significant changes that will require them to tighten controls on player deposits and enhance their monitoring of gambling behavior. The KSA’s new regulations underscore the importance of responsible gambling and the need for operators to take a more active role in protecting players. By adhering to these new rules, operators can help foster a safer and more sustainable gambling environment in the Netherlands, ensuring that the industry continues to grow while prioritizing the well-being of its players.