Dutch gambling authority unveils “living” duty of care obligations

The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has published a consultation outlining its “duty of care” obligations for all egaming licensees.

The eleven principles cover many responsible gambling related conditions and is described by the KSA as a “living” document, which will be amended and changed in line with regulatory changes. These duties will apply to lottery, sports betting, egaming and slot machines.

The KSA said current duty of care obligations, as contained in the previous legislation were “insufficient”, brief and did not apply to all gaming firms.

Under these obligations, operators must provide guidance to players about the risks involved in gambling in a “clear and appropriate” manner. All conditions must likewise be clear and understandable and not contain provisions which are “unreasonable”.

Licensees are obligated to provide players with the ability to determine their “personal limits” and to ensure players do not exceed these limits.

Operators are required to develop a written prevention policy of gambling addiction and all managers and employees must have knowledge of these policies and the “necessary knowledge” to identify problem gambling behaviour.

In cases where problem gambling is identified, operators are obligated to intervene on an “appropriate basis” based on a review of player behavioural data.

Licensees must allow players to self-exclude from egaming on a temporary or permanent basis and must provide players with access to resources designed to allow them to receive treatment for excessive gambling. Lastly, operators are obliged to provide written complaints and cancellation procedures to players.

In preparation for the adoption of these standards, the KSA will conduct five separate meetings over the next two months in five separate cities across the Netherlands. The consultation will close on 1 September.