Dutch Gaming Authority Publishes Amended Responsible Gaming Policy Rule
June 3 2024 — Today De Kansspelautoriteit (Dutch Gaming Authority (Ksa) publishes the amended Responsible Gaming Policy Rule. The Ksa is thus taking a major step towards realizing a safer online gambling market. The most important adjustments and clarifications are the obligation for ‘real time monitoring’ and the setting of a financial deposit limit. This results from Ksa research among providers into the interpretation and implementation of the duty of care. There have also been changes to the advertising rules, following the recently amended legislation in this area (2022-2023). The amended policy rule comes into effect immediately, with the exception of a few articles.
Reason and consultation
In September 2023, the Ksa published a research report on the interpretation of the duty of care and its implementation at 10 online providers. This research showed that providers do not always shape the duty of care correctly, for example because they do not intervene in a timely manner in the event of excessive play or possible addiction.
Based on the results of the research and the recently amended advertising rules (‘Orka Decree’ and the role model ban), the Ksa created an amended draft Responsible Gaming Policy Rule. To test the feasibility of this, a consultation followed with stakeholders from the gaming sector (providers, trade organizations and addiction experts). The Ksa has carefully reviewed the 33 extensive responses. These were mainly focused on the topic of addiction prevention.
Important steps for a safer market
With the introduction of a financial deposit limit, a major step has been taken towards realizing a safer market. When depositing €300 (young adults aged 18 to 24) or €700 (from 24 years) or more, the provider must check whether the player can afford to gamble before being allowed to deposit more. If this does not appear to be the case, the provider must block further deposits for that calendar month.
The Ksa is taking another important step by being stricter on ‘real-time’ monitoring of gambling behavior. The online gambling provider must detect, analyze and intervene within a maximum of one hour of a signal or reasonable suspicion of excessive participation or gambling addiction. This requirement applies 24/7. To comply with the duty of care, the provider must therefore be alert day and night.
Publication and entry into force
Today the Ksa publishes the amended Responsible Gaming Policy Rule in the Government Gazette. The policy rule comes into effect immediately. A number of articles regarding, among other things, the financial deposit limit and the associated verification obligation are exempt from this and will come into effect later, due to the necessary IT adjustments, recruitment of new employees and the necessary preparation time for this. These articles will enter into force on October 1, 2024.
SOURCE: De Kansspelautoriteit,
