Dutch gamblers are in for some big changes! In an effort to make gaming safer, the Netherlands implemented new responsible gambling regulations on June 3. Along with the recent revisions to gambling ad laws and the model ban, these reforms are a component of the Netherlands’ larger efforts to strengthen gaming policies. Here’s the scoop:
A New Approach to Financial Checks and Deposit Limits
For gamblers making large sums, the Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has instituted more stringent financial checks. Fortunately, even though these new regulations are already in place, some of them are not going to take effect until October 1st. The operators can therefore make the necessary adjustments to their systems and recruit more people as needed.
You may anticipate a financial verification by October if your deposit is more than €300 and you are between the ages of 18 and 24, or more than €700 and you are 24 or older. There will be a one-month hold on any future deposits if a player is unable to provide evidence of financial capability? However, there are exceptions made for skilled players, such as those who compete in poker tournaments and need higher stakes.
Player Monitoring in Real Time
It is now mandatory for operators to closely monitor player actions at all venues, whether online or offline. They are required to intervene within an hour, regardless of the time of day, if they see any indications of gambling that might be risky. What is it that they’re keeping an eye on? All of the following are warning signs: prolonged late-night sessions, more than six hours of gaming per day, constant betting, and large deposits.
A Few Concerns
The implementation of these new regulations has not been well received by everybody. There is concern that these stringent regulations can have unintended consequences, according to the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA).
In a recent study, IPSOS found that if there are too many regulations, it might lead players to seek out illegal offshore sites. Research from the Dutch Online Gambling Barometer indicated that over half of high-risk gamblers would prefer not to provide evidence of income while gambling online.
The upcoming coalition government’s intention to increase gaming taxes is another point of contention, according to the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA). The Party for Freedom (PVV) has finally organized after months of political bickering to create a coalition with the VVD, NSC, and BBB parties to increase the gaming tax to 37.8 percent.
