Dutch gaming authority Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) conducted an extensive research of ten online gaming providers to investigate the extent of due diligence implemented in their online operations to combat problem gaming. The review found that the online gaming licensees should react more quickly and effectively in cases of risky gaming behaviors or possible gambling addictions. Ksa reportedly concluded that such a due diligence does not occur sufficiently ”with too many providers.”
Problem Gaming Prevention
Ksa reportedly suggested the implementation of a tighter policy and the involvement of the Ministry of Justice and Security in the respective amendments of legislation and regulation. The regulator considers that such measures, as well as the clarification of standards, will help the providers apply the level of due diligence required to protect gamblers from problem gambling issues.
René Jansen, chairman of the Ksa, reportedly stated:”The Ksa puts safe play first. We receive worrying signals and, as a supervisory authority, we investigate providers who may far exceed the limits of their duty of care. If we notice this, we will intervene. With this research we see where, outside of these signals, providers are not doing well. Players must be able to assume that they can play safely. We see that rules need to be tightened, precisely to further promote a safe environment for players.”
Due Diligence in Detecting Problem Gaming
The research into the gaming providers’ interpretationof due diligence and its practical implementation has been conducted among the first 10 licensees having been offering online gambling services after the market was launched on 1 October, 2021. According to Ksa, the operators offering games of chance are even legally obliged to implement due diligence in their online operations as far as problem gaming is concerned. The study reportedly revealed that too many providers are not able to adequately address such issues.
Real-Time Monitoring Issues
The Dutch gaming authority found that such a lack of potential for quick and effective responses is due to the operators’ inability to monitor problem players in real time. Such a methodology results in a delayed problem detection. For this reason, gaming service providers may, for example, monitor the amounts deposited but neglect the number of hours played, Ksa found.
Monitoring Methodology
The study also focused on the attention providers paid to young adult players to compare the data with the prescribed limits for players between 18 to 30 years of age and found that this age group ”may not be noticed in time as problem players,” according to the regulator. For this reason, it proposes the monitoring of bet amounts and the number of hours played.
Proposing Amended Legislation
Therefore, Ksa intends to adjust the Responsible Gaming policy to include more details on real-time monitoring obligations and additional rules for problem gaming assessment by online gaming operators. The regulator will reportedly also request mandatory account suspensions for problem players from operators, as well as due diligence in the implementation of these measures.
Ksa will reportedly advise the Ministry of Justice and Security on the proposed amendments of the respective legislation to reduce online gambling harm in the Dutch jurisdiction.