Dutch regulator to address fraud-problem gambling concerns
PokerStars, Playtech and Betfair among those giving presentations to stakeholders at event in The Hague on 27 February.
The Dutch gaming authority has continued its commitment to the swift regulation of online gambling by arranging a series of presentions by leading operators later this month in order to address key concerns over fraud and problem gambling.
In an event taking place in The Hague on 27 February hosted by Netherlands Gaming Authority and board member Paul Tang, stakeholders in the regulation process, both for against, will hear presentations from Playtech, PokerStars, Betfair, Holland Casino and the ministry of security and justice.
Each talk will focus on the two areas of the registration and identification of players and the prevention of problem gambling.
Tang oversaw the first stage of industry consultation at the end of last month when representatives from a large section of Europe’s leading egaming operators attended a five-hour meeting to discuss key issues including the number of licences to be awarded and fraud prevention measures.
Next week’s meeting is another sign the country’s regulator is committed to not only the swift drafting of an egaming framework, but also maintaining a transparent and open dialogue with stakeholders throughout the process.
In the invitation to the event the NGA said legislation is expected by April or May this year at which point it would enter a public consultation phase. Earlier this month the regulator said it anticipated the legislation to be finalised in Parliament before the end of 2013.
The Dutch regulatory regime is anticipated to take a similar form to that in Denmark as far as taxation and licensing are concerned, with eGaming Review data partner H2 Gambling Capital suggesting the market could be worth 223m by 2015.
Earlier this month Holland Casino took its first step towards launching an egaming offering by issuing an RFP for online services sparking a bidding war as suppliers compete to gain a dominant position in the soon-to-be-regulated Dutch market.
The tender document seen by eGaming Review sets out the monopoly operator’s plans to launch a freeplay online casino, bingo and poker offering by the end of 2013 and real-money versions as soon as it is legally able to do so.
The document states that Holland Casino, which will be sold by the government as part of its privatisation plans, will enter into a contract with a single partner for all online services. These include a backend portal, gaming management platform, a portfolio of slots and table games, a bingo and poker platform and network, and a live dealer solution. Initial applications must be submitted by 25 February while the final award date is set for 29 June.