Netherlands Calls for Urgent Reforms to Online Gambling Laws
An evaluation of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) in the Netherlands has highlighted several areas where urgent reforms are needed to better protect players and curb gambling-related harms. The review, conducted by the Dutch Research and Documentation Centre (WODC), found that the current legal framework is failing to effectively safeguard online gamblers, particularly in preventing addiction and ensuring informed decision-making.
The WODC’s findings suggest that while online gambling has become more regulated, the measures in place to protect players are insufficient. The agency expressed concern that many gamblers remain unaware of the risks of addiction and their gambling behavior, with current protective systems not functioning as intended. A key issue identified was the responsibility of online gambling operators in monitoring players’ behavior and preventing addiction, with the WODC questioning whether providers are doing enough in this regard.
The report points out that operators are legally required to work with addiction specialists to develop prevention policies, but collaboration in this area is often limited. The lack of effective cooperation between gambling providers and addiction experts is a significant gap in the current system, according to the WODC.
While the evaluation acknowledges the progress made in combating fraud and ensuring the reliability of online gambling platforms, it underscores the need for improvements in player protection and harm reduction. The WODC has proposed several key changes to address these concerns:
- Data Sharing for Research: It recommends that player data be made available for independent research aimed at improving addiction prevention strategies.
- Centralized Duty of Care: The WODC calls for a centralized approach to the duty of care, rather than leaving it solely in the hands of individual operators.
- Stronger Oversight: The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) should be granted enhanced powers to monitor and regulate the licensed online gambling market more effectively.
- Combating the Illegal Market: Greater emphasis should be placed on tackling illegal gambling sites and protecting vulnerable groups from exploitative marketing practices.
- Broadening Policy Goals: The WODC advocates for expanding the scope of the law to better address both addiction prevention and the broader harms associated with gambling.
In related news, the KSA has recently issued reprimands to three online gambling providers for improper advertising and for targeting vulnerable groups in violation of existing regulations. This move highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring that gambling promotions are conducted responsibly.
Looking ahead, the Dutch government is also planning to increase the gambling tax rate from 30.5% to 34.2% in 2025, a change that could further impact the online gambling market.
The evaluation of the Remote Gambling Act serves as a timely reminder of the need for stronger regulatory measures to ensure that online gambling, including crypto casinos, operates in a safe and responsible environment. As the industry continues to grow, both in the Netherlands and globally, ensuring player protection and preventing harm will be key priorities for regulators and operators alike.
