20,000 Dutch Gamblers Registered in National Self-Exclusion Program

Less than one year after the launch of the regulated Dutch igaming industry, the KSA reports on the continuous successful adoption of its self-exclusion program. The register recently exceeded 20,000 self-excluded gamblers and, according to the numbers, it is gaining momentum. 

Following a rocky start, the Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspel (CRUKS) offer gamblers in the Netherlands a break from all licensed operators in the country. Rene Jansen from the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) insists that better awareness is possible but lauds the success of the system thus far. 

 Six Months to Regroup

When the Netherlands enforced its updated gambling laws in 2021 to include online gambling, the country’s gambling authority introduces a new national self-exclusion register. Along with other player protection mechanisms, the CRUKS system enables citizens who struggle with compulsive gambling to take at least a 6 months break to regroup and break the cycle of harm.

The new Dutch gambling laws stipulate that all licensed operators, remote and land-based, must be part of the CRUKS register and should verify a player’s status before giving them access to games of chance. Operators are required to update their PKI certificate regularly to maintain access to the portal. The KSA recently reminded its licensees of the fact. 

According to the new gambling act, registered players may not access online gambling portals or any land-based facilities, including Holland Casino venues and slot machine arcades. 

 It Takes a Village

Players who wish to self-exclude and regain control of their wagering habits can do so voluntarily and the shortest break available is half a year. Registered gamblers can choose an indefinite period as well, and unlike other self-exclusion programs in Europe, third parties can apply on behalf of gamblers in the Netherlands. 

Although players who register themselves have more immediate exclusion, third-party applications take longer because the KSA follows a process of verification. This allows concerned family members, partners, and friends to step in and apply for involuntary registration of loved ones with a gambling addiction. 

Operators have to track player behaviours actively and certain risk profiles have to be reported for further investigation by the KSA. If the regulator and its external pool of experts deem it necessary, they can register a player involuntarily on CRUKS.

 Awareness Feeds Success

When the country launched its newly regulated market in October 2021, it included the CRUKS program as part of the roll-out. As with most new systems, there were a couple of teething problems, but the KSA ironed these out swiftly through continuous monitoring and improvements. 

One month later, approximately 3,500 Dutch citizens were taking a break from gambling and within 6 months, the inspectorate reported an active register of 10,000 excluded players. Statistics show a drastic increase in registrants in the past two months, with 5,000 new self-excluded citizens joining since June. 

The KSA chair, Rene Jansen, noted that although the numbers are encouraging, more awareness needs to be created for efficient protection in the country. Jansen believes not enough people are aware of the register’s existence and hopes to improve national awareness.