Dutch Gambling Regulator Cracks Down on Autoplay Feature

The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is taking decisive action against unauthorized autoplay features in online games.

Following a player complaint, the KSA has ordered an operator to remove the feature, citing its potential risk to responsible gambling.

Dutch law explicitly bans autoplay, viewing it as a mechanism that can encourage excessive gambling behavior.

The regulator has now warned all licensed operators to review their games and ensure compliance with national gambling regulations.

KSA Orders Operator to Remove Banned Autoplay Feature in Online Roulette

Key Points:

• KSA ordered an operator to remove autoplay from its online roulette game, reinforcing Dutch gambling regulations.
• The regulator warned all licensees to inspect third-party gaming products for compliance with autoplay restrictions.
• A court ruling also upheld KSA’s rejection of a license application due to concerns over criminal ties of a former shareholder.

KSA Enforces Autoplay Ban Following Player Complaint

The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands’ gambling regulator, has taken enforcement action against an online casino operator that allowed autoplay in online roulette.

A customer filed a complaint after realizing they were not removed from the game after a win and were automatically placed into the next round.

In autoplay mode, players can continue betting without manually placing new wagers, reducing conscious decision-making in gambling sessions. The KSA views this feature as a violation of Dutch gambling laws, which emphasize player control to minimize gambling harm.

The Dutch Remote Gambling Act explicitly prohibits autoplay, as it increases the risk of problem gambling by allowing continuous betting without player interaction.

The KSA did not name the operator involved but confirmed it had ordered the immediate removal of the autoplay feature. It also instructed the company to review its entire game portfolio before continuing operations in the Netherlands.

KSA Warns All Operators to Inspect Game Providers

Following this breach, the KSA has sent official warnings to all licensed operators, reminding them that autoplay features are strictly forbidden in the Netherlands.

Many autoplay functions are enabled by third-party game providers, making it essential for operators to audit their gaming content before offering it to Dutch players.

The regulator has emphasized that failure to comply with this requirement could result in financial penalties or license suspensions.

KSA Wins Legal Case Over Rejected Gambling License

The KSA’s firm stance on industry compliance was further reinforced this week after a court ruling in its favor regarding a rejected gambling license.

The Hague District Court ruled that the KSA acted lawfully when it denied a license to a Malta-based operator in February 2023.

The regulator rejected the application after discovering that a former shareholder of the company was linked to the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017.

The court upheld the decision, citing serious concerns over the operator’s integrity, reinforcing the KSA’s commitment to strict regulatory standards in the Dutch gambling market.

The Future of Gambling Regulation in the Netherlands

The KSA’s enforcement of the autoplay ban highlights its ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and responsible gambling environment.

With increased scrutiny on operators and suppliers, the Dutch gambling market is expected to see further compliance crackdowns.

As regulations tighten, gambling companies must stay proactive in auditing their products to avoid penalties and maintain their licenses.

The KSA’s latest actions send a clear message—operators must comply with Dutch gambling laws or face serious consequences. 🚨