Zona de Azar The Netherlands – KSA Chair Calls for Standardized Gambling Addiction Tools

The Netherlands.- 28th November 2024 www.zonadeazar.com Michel Groothuizen, chair of the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA), has called for standardized addiction prevention measures to address shortcomings in the country’s gambling regulations. His comments follow a critical review of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), which found the law lacking in achieving its policy goals, particularly in protecting players from gambling-related harm.

“Addiction prevention should not be a platform for providers to compete against each other,” Groothuizen said in his latest blog post.

He proposed a unified approach that would require all operators to use the same intervention parameters, offer accredited training for staff, and ensure consistent action to protect players.

“Part of this could be introducing an overarching playing limit,” he added, though he emphasized the need for thorough analysis before implementing such measures.

“Hard to accept” Groothuizen acknowledged that the report’s findings were “hard to accept,” pointing out that the regulation of online gambling “does not yet contribute sufficiently to the policy objectives we had in mind.”

However, he added that it is “premature to conclude that the law does not work at all.”

Parliamentary reactions have been mixed, with political parties like the CDA and SGP proposing to reverse the legalization of online gambling, while others, such as the Christian Union and SP, are calling for targeted restrictions, including a ban on credit card payments and stricter advertising rules.

Groothuizen, however, warned against drastic measures such as a total advertising ban.

“Anyone who no longer sees advertising from licensed providers will come into contact with illegal operators, who do not follow the rules,” he explained, stressing the risks posed by unregulated platforms.

Tackling illegal gambling Illegal gambling remains a significant issue highlighted by the report.

Groothuizen reiterated his call for stronger enforcement powers, such as the ability to immediately take down illegal websites, which he described as hubs for “enormous abuses,” including underage gambling and predatory marketing.

“Reducing the illegal market even further protects vulnerable players,” he said, adding that this step is essential for stricter regulation of the legal market without pushing players toward unauthorized platforms.

Push for expanded regulatory powers The KSA plans to intensify its focus on addiction prevention and education, particularly targeting young adults, a growing segment of players.

Initiatives include expanding awareness campaigns and supporting school programs on the risks of gambling.

Groothuizen also expressed optimism about working with policymakers to refine the KOA.

He said he recently presented a “wish list” of enhanced powers and resources to State Secretary for Legal Protection, Teun Struycken.

“This is no time to sit back. In collaboration with various stakeholders, we can look at what is needed now to get the regulation of the market in order, without throwing the baby out with the bathwater,” Groothuizen concluded.

Edited by: @MaiaDigital www.zonadeazar.com