Dutch gambling regulator publishes results of gaming arcades probe

The KSA investigated the level of duty of care at Dutch gaming arcades.

The Netherlands.- The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has reported on the results of its probe into duty of care levels at gaming arcades in the Netherlands. It found that most of the 20 arcades inspected in December and January showed satisfactory compliance with gambling prevention regulations under the Remote Gambling Act (KOA Act).

However, the regulator concluded that although regular players appeared to understand their behaviour, there was room for improvement. It found that some venues had implemented play time monitoring to various extents but that none had set a maximum playing time, which the KSA said was particularly important for arcades that are open 24 hours a day. It also found players using multiple slot machines at the same time. It noted that this is not illegal but puts players at risk of excessive gambling. 

Dutch gambling reforms and the new government

The next round of Dutch gambling reforms will come into force on October 1, introducing mandatory checks for players surpassing monthly deposit limits. Meanwhile, the new coalition government of the Netherlands has named Teun Struycken as minister for legal protections.

The position puts the New Social Contract (NSC) MP in charge of gambling policy as the new government picks up the review of gambling legislation begun by the previous administration.

The appointment may concern gambling operators as the NSC is known for an anti-gambling stance, having proposed a ban on online gambling in its election manifesto. It said at the time that “generous government policies” had caused online gambling to “explode”, leading to issues with debt, crime and gambling addiction. The Dutch Parliament has voted in favour of a ban on online slots and a ban on all gambling advertising, and the coalition government’s proposed budget plan includes a hike in gambling tax.