Dutch Gambling Authority drafts duty of care framework ahead of crucial vote
Deposit limits and at-risk gamblers under the spotlight in new RG guideline proposals
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has confirmed it is currently drafting new duty of care guidelines for egaming operators ahead of the potential legalisation and regulation of egaming in The Netherlands.
Speaking at the annual International Masters of Gaming Law conference, KSA chair René Jansen confirmed the regulator’s support for the adoption of online gambling legislation into law as it “will enable us to take a better stand against illegal online operators and to protect consumers in a better way”.
Plenary discussions concerning the legislation and regulation of egaming are due to commence tomorrow in the Dutch senate, with a final senate vote scheduled for 12 February.
The KSA has already confirmed it is working on a licensing process for egaming operators in anticipation of a positive result.
Jansen said the KSA has prepared a draft “duty of care” manual for operators, outlining 14 specific obligations for operators in the areas of responsible gambling (RG) and player protection that will form the basis of potential regulations, should egaming legalisation take place.
Among these obligations are the requirement that players must enter “personal playing limits” on account set up with any egaming operator and the requirement that operators must have clearly published location and participation policies.
In addition, the duty of care manual confers an obligation on operators to intervene where at-risk or problem gambling is identified in respect of an individual player.
The remaining guidelines have yet to be published, but Jansen confirmed the manual has already been presented to certain parties for informal testing (pre-consultation) with the formal external consultation process due to start in March.