In recent years, the spread of internet gaming has been inexorable, presenting dangers relating to gambling harm and excessive betting. A new wave of proposed revisions in the Netherlands advocates for the establishment of a set of measures and limitations designed to safeguard online bettors from undue expenditure, while concurrently decreasing the prevalence of gambling addiction within the nation.
This proposition emerges as a part of a suggestion dispatched by the nation’s Rapporteur on Substance Dependency (NRV) to the Ministry of Law and Order. Maarten van Ooijen, the State Secretary for Health, Welfare, and Sports, highlighted the suggestions of the NRV in a letter to the Ministry that advocated changes to KOA, the country’s Remote Gambling Act.
While discussing the suggestions, he referred to the claim that the existing laws “constitute a higher risk for gambling addiction.” Ooijen also discussed the suggestions that advocate for the establishment of limitations aimed at curbing gambling addiction. Prof. Dr. Arnt F.A. Schellekens, the Rapporteur on Substance Dependency, drafted the report that includes a total of 22 different suggestions on how to modify the current gambling policies in the country.
In particular, he backs the introduction of an obligatory overall betting limitation similar to the system that is actively enforced in Germany. Schellekens believes that, while challenging to execute, its successful implementation in Germany indicates that it can be realized.
Ultimately, the proposed system aims to set boundaries for internet gambling, which includes time-bound, deposit limit, loss limit, and balance limit. He stated that to successfully apply this system, all legally recognized gambling organizations must distribute information and guarantee their clients do not exceed the pre-fixed cap.
Efforts Undertaken to Decrease Gambling-Related Harm and Addiction
Further provisions suggested in this latest report suggest banning games “that pose a verifiably high risk.” Schellekens has also recommended an increase in the obligation of licensed Dutch gaming operators. This suggestion aligns with the perspective of the country’s game regulation authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), who have recently urged gaming operators to take extra measures to safeguard their clients.
According to a study cited by KSA earlier this month, operators must dedicate more resources to real-time monitoring and heighten player safety. The regulatory body has also announced plans to revise its guidelines on responsible gaming practices.
Increased efforts to prevent gambling harm and excessive betting along with changes relating to promotional activities are among the other suggestions presented by the Rapporteur on Substance Dependency. The recently published report also pushes for alterations related to the dangers of gambling harm, proposing that gaming operators should conspicuously display accessible information, akin to warnings given for alcohol or narcotics.
