New Dutch Report Unveils the Current Operating State of the KSA

An extensive report was issued by the Dutch government and the consultation of the KWIK group to prevent further operators from doing business in the Netherlands without a licence and implementing measures to stop the ones that already do.

The report was created from information collected from 2017 to 2021 and focused on the unregulated market in the country. During this time, the government requested that the KSA explain the issue of illegal gambling to establish a response to unlicensed operators.

 Lead By Example

Other countries worldwide are taking action against unlicensed operators like Australia’s media regulator, AMCA, which actively blocks websites not licensed in their country. Germany is limiting payment methods - like eWallets - and websites connected to illegal gambling.

Due to other countries taking action towards this ongoing issue, it is no surprise that the Dutch government will take action and protect their well-developed regulations and laws on gambling.

 Issues and Solutions

Here are some problems discussed in the report, along with suggestions to overcome these issues and ways to prevent them in the future.

Several companies featuring Dutch language promotions and website UI on their platforms received fines as they did so without a licence. Many operators licensed in Malta and Curaçao have unlicensed businesses in the Netherlands. 

The solution? The report suggested that the KSA considers website and payment blocking to address this issue. This possible solution has been adopted by several jurisdictions worldwide.

Another issue is that KSA's stakeholders are not involved enough with managing safe gambling procedures. The report stated that "a sharper and clearer division of roles" are required in addiction prevention and safe gaming.

A possible solution is that the KSA needs to clarify the role of management concerning information and communication and increase the capacity of enforcement to handle illegal land-based gambling.

 Further Suggestions

A suggestion to improve risk-based supervision was to move towards a more data-based system. The report stated that the KSA currently has the appropriate and necessary resources to address unlicensed online gambling operations, except for the watchdog, which may need more resources to shut down the land-based black market.

KSA chairman Rene' Jansen accepts the report and its suggestion with open arms. She commented on the suggestions, saying: 

"They fit in particularly well with the professionalisation that the organisation has already started." 

How or when Jansen will implement changes based on the report received remains to be seen. However, as she has received it with a such a positive outlook, the chances of real changes being made are high.

 Moving Forward

International collaboration is important for the Netherlands Gaming Authority, as stated on the Kansspelautoriteit website. Their priority lies in building and exchanging knowledge and expertise with regulators from other European jurisdictions. 

The KSA actively works alongside other regulators in GREF. With these new suggestions compiled, the KSA can increase its knowledge and keep up with recent trends and developments in other countries while maintaining a safe gaming environment. It is essential that they keep up with partnership agreements with other regulators to ensure control over iGaming.