Dutch and Belgian Gaming Authorities Partner Up

With online gambling broadening its scope across the world, there arises an evident need to step up its oversight and tighten regulations to guide the industry appropriately. This includes the installation of ‘best practice’ solutions and minimising the drawbacks of the marketplace, which include things like gambling addiction, money laundering crimes, and fraud.

The Netherlands and Belgium are two progressive gaming jurisdictions in the European market, both of which are experiencing tremendous growth right now. As such, the Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) and the Belgian Gaming Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to solidify a partnership for the sake of inter-jurisdictional support.

The two oversight authorities will team up to share pivotal information that will keep both brands at the cutting edge of licensing and enforcement. The chair-people of both organisations look forward to an official collaboration, having already worked together on an informal basis in the past.

René Jansen, of the KSA said:

"Such a Memorandum of Understanding forms a good basis for sharing knowledge, collaboration, and a smooth exchange of information. A clear signal is also given to providers of games of chance that they are joining forces internationally."

The memorandum should come as welcome news for the two budding industries, although the regulators have some work to do to rise to the top of the European business where revered bodies like the Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, and Swedish Spel Inspektionen reign.

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The unified efforts of the gaming commissions are a positive endeavour that shows the determination and motivation of both organisations to provide the best possible service to their regions. These two hold a common interest and can band together to share vital information towards achieving set goals within the contexts of:

• Enforcement
• Licensing
• Combatting crime
• Player protection
• Observance of responsible gambling
• Effective treatment for gaming addiction

Magali Clavie, chair of the Belgium Gaming Commission, is resolute about combining efforts and believes it is necessary to effectively accomplish the goals set forth above. She says:

"Online games of chance are offered across borders. As a result, there is a greater need for international cooperation between regulators on games of chance. Information exchanges with foreign colleagues are always very instructive."

The KSA is on the front foot in the challenge to create a sustainable gambling industry and has taken the initiative to sign cooperation deals with several other leading European regulatory bodies, including commissions from countries like Malta, Sweden, and France. This accomplishment will put the organisation in a prime position to become a future world-leader in gambling guidance.