Peter-Paul de Goeij, director of the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA), is looking for a “rigorous” response from Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) after analysis revealed that unlawful operators are permitting minors to gamble. The findings, shared by Keurmerk Responsible Affiliates (KVA) and Licensed Dutch Gaming Providers (VNLOK), spotlight a major subject throughout the Netherlands’ playing trade.
Research Findings on Underage Gambling
The analysis performed by KVA uncovered that minors within the Netherlands can simply gamble with offshore operators. The examine confirmed that these operators don’t require the mandatory age verification, permitting anybody with an e mail handle or phone quantity to create an account. This lack of oversight permits these under the authorized playing age of 18 to deposit and gamble, usually utilizing cryptocurrency for nameless transactions.
Further, the examine discovered that unlawful casinos use the logos of banks and authorized operators to mislead minors into believing that their deposits are secure. This observe is especially regarding because it exploits the belief and safety related with these monetary establishments.
Previous Research and Industry Concerns
KVA’s current findings construct on earlier analysis from 2023, which indicated that unlawful websites have been concentrating on gamers trying to bypass Cruks, the Netherlands’ self-exclusion scheme. This ongoing subject highlights the necessity for stringent regulatory measures to defend susceptible teams from the dangers related with unlawful playing.
De Goeij emphasised the heightened dangers for underage gamblers, noting their elevated susceptibility to dependancy and associated psychological well being and monetary issues. He urged the KSA to take decisive motion to handle these points and fulfill its mandate to defend shoppers.
“The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch Gambling Authority, is expected to address these issues rigorously,” De Goeij informed iGB. “The KSA is likely to enhance monitoring and enforcement actions against unlicensed operators, imposing hefty fines and blocking access to these websites. Educating the public, especially minors and their parents, about the risks of unlicensed gambling and how to avoid these sites can be an effective preventive measure.”
Recommendations for KSA Action
De Goeij advocates for elevated collaboration between the KSA and different jurisdictions, sharing intelligence and finest practices to fight unlawful operators. He additionally means that the KSA ought to work carefully with monetary establishments to block unlawful transactions and lower off income streams to offshore operators.
“The KSA should employ advanced technologies like geolocation blocking and AI-driven monitoring to detect and shut down access to offshore gambling platforms,” De Goeij added. “Working with internet service providers (ISPs) to block unlicensed gambling sites could significantly reduce access.”
Broader Issues within the Dutch Gambling Market
The timing of KVA’s analysis coincides with rising trade considerations over regulatory modifications within the Netherlands. Recently, a coalition settlement proposed rising the playing tax from 30.5% to 37.8%, aiming to generate a further €202m in tax income. NOGA has expressed considerations that such measures might push operators in direction of the black market, undermining the regulated market’s integrity.
Earlier this 12 months, the home of representatives voted to ban “high-risk” playing, together with on-line slots, and to prohibit on-line playing promoting. These regulatory modifications, mixed with greater taxes, might drive extra gamers to unlicensed websites, the place client protections are minimal.
De Goeij is especially frightened in regards to the potential impression on the authorized market, warning that greater taxes and promoting restrictions would possibly scale back income for the Dutch authorities and authorized operators. This shift could lead on to elevated fraud, dependancy, and different harms related with unregulated playing.
NOGA’s Strategic Recommendations
To fight the potential rise of the black market, De Goeij recommends that the KSA and the federal government undertake evidence-based laws that don’t overly burden authorized operators. He believes that encouraging innovation and bettering buyer experiences within the authorized market can assist retain and appeal to gamers.
“The KSA and the government should encourage innovation and better customer experiences in the legal market to retain and attract players,” De Goeij stated. “They should also be continuously researching market trends and player behavior to adapt regulations and strategies dynamically. Only by taking a proactive and balanced approach, the Netherlands can protect its citizens while maintaining a robust and attractive legal gambling market.”
Source: “NOGA urges rigorous KSA response after research finds illegal operators accepting bets from minors”. iGaming Business, May 23, 2024.
