New rules for online gambling in the Netherlands

If you are a fan of online gambling, it is important to know that new rules will be introduced soon. From May 1, 2024, the Gaming Authority (KSA) will implement new rules that relate to the responsible gaming environment for online gamblers.

These rules, called the Responsible Gaming Policy, aim to better protect players against large losses and reduce the risk of gambling addiction.

A majority in the House of Representatives supported a proposal from the Christian Union to arrive at a monthly gaming limit. This limit does not apply per gambling company, but applies to all online casinos.

Why are these new rules being introduced?
Online gambling has gained popularity in recent years, but unfortunately there are also risks associated with this form of entertainment. Many players lose large amounts of money and become addicted to gambling. The Gaming Authority has therefore decided to draw up stricter rules to tackle these problems and better protect players.

What do the responsible gaming policies entail?
One of the most significant changes introduced by the new rules is that online gambling providers are now required to check players’ financial status before allowing them to participate in gambling. This means that providers must request proof of income to determine whether a player can afford major expenses.

At the moment, a player determines what his or her limits are when registering with a gambling company. For example, if he/she sets a monthly limit of 10,000 euros, alarm bells are often only raised when this amount is exceeded. With the new rules, online gambling providers must therefore better check whether a player is actually able to make such large expenditures.

Online gambling providers must comply with the Responsible Gaming Policy
To comply with the Responsible Gaming Policy, online gambling providers such as Onlinecasino.amsterdam must meet various requirements. For example, they must enable players to demonstrate their financial situation by providing proof of income. This can be done, for example, in the form of pay slips, bank statements or tax returns. If a player cannot provide proof of income, the gaming provider may decide to exclude the player from participating in games of chance. It is important for players to realize that this measure is intended to protect their own financial situation.

Access to gaming behavior and financial status
Gambling providers must also ensure that players always have access to their gaming behavior and financial status. Players should be able to set their limits and budgets and easily change them if necessary. This way, players have more control over their gambling behavior and can better monitor how much money they spend.

Online gambling providers must also ensure clear communication about responsible gaming. This can be done, for example, by providing information and tips on how players can reduce risks and gamble wisely. Another new change is that providers must also offer players the option to temporarily or permanently exclude themselves from participation in games of chance.

Lack of supervision of gaming behavior
It has previously been noted that online casinos monitor far too little of the gaming behavior of their customers. Gamblers have the freedom to determine their own limits, which means that the alarm bells often go off much too late. The companies hardly check whether anyone can afford such large losses, even though they do have a duty of care for their customers.

Protection of gambling addicts
By implementing the new rules, the House of Representatives wants to improve the protection of gambling addicts. Introducing a monthly playing limit reduces the chance that people will get themselves into financial trouble by losing too much money when gambling online. The idea is that it will be more difficult for gamblers to avoid the limit by having multiple accounts with different gambling companies.

Is politics against online gambling? Good question, but it doesn’t seem like that! However, more clarity is being requested by the House of Representatives.

Clear responsibility of gambling companies
With the arrival of stricter rules, the responsibility of gambling companies is also emphasized. They will have to do more to monitor their customers’ gaming behavior and take appropriate action when necessary. By closely monitoring major losses and taking timely action, serious financial problems can be avoided.

The exact enforcement of the monthly playing limit has yet to be determined. Gambling companies will be required to take measures to ensure that players cannot play above the limit. This could mean, for example, that players can set a maximum amount that they can bet per month.