Dutch Regulator Highlights 2024 Objectives, Survey Reveals Somewhat Worrisome Numbers

Article by : Milena Petrovska Mar 1, 2024

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Things are happening on the Dutch gambling scene as the regulator is revealing this year’s objectives while the Government is focusing on problem gambling.

Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling regulator, has revealed its 2024 objectives for making its market safer for players. The objectives are part of the wider plan that was created in 2020 and will focus on three main points. These include protection of consumers, preventing gambling addiction, and taking steps against illegal operations.

Meanwhile, the Government has released results of a gambling study that has shown worrisome numbers.

Player Safety and Cracking Down Illegal Operators

Consumer protection, gambling addiction prevention, and efforts against illegal gambling are the three main points of the KAS master plan for 2024.

In an official statement, the KSA noted that it wanted to focus on these pillars because it estimated “there are additional risks in those areas.”

When it comes to consumer protection and prevention of gambling addiction, Dutch operators licensed by the KSA must respect the duty of care. In other words, they are required to identify gamblers at risk and protect them.

Moreover, the KSA expressed its willingness to collaborate with the police and the Dutch public prosecution office. The regulator was also open to working with the tax revenue agency and various municipal structures to protect players from illegal gambling sites.

KSA noted that it has had huge success in its efforts against illegal gambling.

In a report, the KSA revealed that 90% of Dutch players registered and played at regulated websites. This success was a direct result of the authority’s dedication to shutting down illegal platforms.

Recently, the regulator even conducted two investigations into 33 affiliate sites and news networks.

The results showed that 14 of these platforms encouraged players to gamble with illegal operators. To make things even worse, some of the targeted players have participated in self-exclusion programs such as the CRUKS self-exclusion system.

Study Shows Dutch Youth Under 24 at Risk of Becoming Problem Gamblers

A recent survey conducted by I&O Research and published by the Dutch Government showed worrisome figures. Namely, as many as 23% of those under 24 were either at moderate or high risk of developing gambling harm.

According to the survey, 54% of gamblers between the ages of 24 and 24 were not at risk.

Out of the 46% that were at risk of gambling addiction, 23% were at low risk, 9% were at moderate risk, and 14% were at high risk.

Moreover, the survey found that 34% of the respondents gambled more money than they originally thought at least once in the past 12 months.

In terms of how open they were with their gambling habits, 22% stated that they’ve never told others how much money they spend on this particular activity.

Another red flag was revealed. Namely, 33% of the respondents stated they gambled more money than planned for a longer period in the past 12 months.

Casino and table games were the most preferred gambling activities, as 60% of the respondents said these presented their preferred type of wagering.

Approximately 49% said that they were betting on sports in the same period, 48% played scratch cards, and 42% participated in lottery games.

More than 80% of the respondents confirmed that they played more than one gambling game.

Out of the high-risk gamblers, 28% placed bets on horse races and 32% of them played poker games. When it came to poker, 11% of the low-risk players played this game, while that number was 8% for non-problematic gamblers.