Dutch Gambling Regulator Considers Stricter Rules

The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), is considering tightening its rules for operators around how they attempt to influence player behavior.

The update comes after research carried out by Behavioral Insights Nederland, commissioned by the KSA, examined the ways gambling platforms use behavioral techniques. The results are expected to help improve how online operators fulfill their duty of care.

The study highlighted that operators influence players in both positive and negative ways. Positive examples include tools that allow players to take breaks or pause their accounts. On the negative side, however, some providers make it too easy for new customers to place large bets right away.

According to the KSA, such practices are especially harmful for players who are vulnerable to addiction, as they encourage risky and excessive play.

As a result, the authority will now investigate harmful behavioral strategies used by operators to assess whether they breach duty of care obligations. Based on the findings, stricter guidelines may be introduced.

KSA Chair Michel Groothuizen said: “We know that online operators, like other commercial companies, monitor user behavior and adapt their services to benefit from it. With this research, we now have more insight into how they do this and we can provide clearer direction on what kinds of negative practices must stop.”

Earlier in the month, the regulator also pointed out that the current risk analysis system in the regulations is inefficient, costly, and offers limited added protection for players.

These remarks followed the release of the KSA’s Study report on risk analyses of games offered by licensed online gambling operators, which looked at how providers evaluate game-related risks in order to comply with duty of care standards and prevent gambling harm.