No Autoplay for Regulated Dutch Platforms Warns KSA

Since the launch of their legal online gambling market, lawmakers in the Netherlands have actively participated in the sector's management. Recent headlines from the Dutch region attest to the Kansspelautoriteit's commitment to ensuring a safe and sustainable gambling industry.

Following a tip from a player, KSA discovered an operator included video slots in its library that have autoplay options available. They prohibited this function in the Netherlands. Subsequently, the operator received a warning. According to KSA, more than one game with the illegal feature was available to Dutch players.

The KSA confirmed that routine checks would take place on other operator sites as well.

 In the Name of Composed Gambling

Once the Netherlands moved into the regulated igaming space, the country's gambling authorities clarified that safe gambling is non-negotiable. Following the market launch in October 2021, the regulator often reminds its licensed operators of their duties.

KSA empowers punters from the region by encouraging them to report irresponsible gaming practices. A player notified the authority of a certain game on the innominate casino website that made it possible to select continuous play without clicking spin every time. This forbidden feature takes control away from the player, according to the KSA, who in no uncertain terms reminded operators of the law. In the press release, the regulator explained:

"A player must make a conscious choice for each subsequent game to continue playing. From the point of view of consumer protection and the risk of (the development of) gambling addiction, forms of automatic play (autoplay) at online gambling machines are prohibited."

They believe that players no longer have control with the autoplay option as they do not make a conscious decision to wager before each spin.

 Under The Wire

The Dutch gambling authority discovered that the unnamed operator had at least three games with the autoplay option active in their library. Immediate action from the platform provider required disabling the feature. KSA gave the operator the benefit of the doubt before taking further steps, and their faith paid off.

This warning came with a price tag attached as the operator faced a cease-and-desist order if they did not cooperate with the KSA instructions. Failure to rectify the issue promptly would result in a penalty of €300,000. However, through the operator's swift action, they avoided this.

KSA reports that the operator not only disabled the feature but also deleted any game with this feature from their library. Other online casinos expect scrutiny of their libraries, as further checks will follow to ensure no one offers autoplay-enabled games.

 Leading by Example

Legal online gambling in the Netherlands may still be in its teething phase. However, well-considered laws and licenses have the market off to a positive start. Reports from the Q1 confirm that successful channelisation and the crackdown on illegal websites in the region set the Netherlands apart from other jurisdictions.

With its reasonable and transparent approaches, the country hopes to be a leader in the regulated igaming industry.