Dutch iGaming group signs MOU with IBIA

Dutch iGaming trade group Stichting Speel Verantwoord has signed a MOU with the IBIA in a bid to boost gaming transparency and integrity.

The Netherlands.- Stichting Speel Verantwoord (SSV), a trade association representing Dutch iGaming firms, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).

The MOU aims to create greater clarity and transparency for the Netherlands’ gaming community as part of the IBIA’s objectives to build consumer confidence in the gaming industry.

Stichting Speel Verantwoord, which translates as Play Responsible Foundation, will collaborate with the IBIA on a number of projects focused on integrity.

This includes the promotion and creation of regulated gambling markets with the aim to achieve high channelisation as the Netherlands continues to roll out a framework for regulated gaming moving towards the launch of a regulated market in the country from July 2021.

SSV Managing Director, Peter-Paul de Goeij, said: “There are a significant number of companies that are members of both associations and there is clear benefit for our two bodies from working closely in the lead up to the introduction of the remote gambling law.

“Whilst both associations welcome the opening of the market, the law places a number of restrictions on certain betting products on integrity grounds, which both the SSV and IBIA have questioned; there is a general concern about the impact on consumer channelisation and market viability.”

IBIA CEO, Khalid Ali, said: “The Netherlands law presents a number of opportunities and challenges for operators concerning the availability of betting and related integrity issues.

“We will be seeking to work closely with the SSV to establish a working relationship with policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss those issues in more detail and to ensure that the market opening is successful.

“This includes supporting the licensing requirement for all sports betting operators to be a member of an integrity monitoring body, and where the Dutch law specifically mentions IBIA as a best practice model.”

The Netherlands revealed last month that iGaming companies operating in the country will need to rebuild their databases when they begin operating under the regulated market from July 2021.

Companies that have operated in the country illegally in the two-and-a-half years prior to launch may not be granted licences.