Decrease in Player Losses Observed in Initial Year of Implemented KSA Gambling Regulations
In the Netherlands, new measures aimed at promoting responsible gambling have been implemented, with deposit limits and mandatory contact requirements being central to these efforts. These changes, introduced as part of a broader strategy to reduce excessive gambling losses and harmful behaviour, have shown promising results.
### Reduction in Financial Losses
Since the introduction of deposit limits, there has been a significant reduction in financial losses among players. The average net loss per player account has declined by 31%, dropping from €116 per month to a lower level. Deposit limits of €300 for players aged 18-24 and €700 for those over 24 have been established to control spending and prevent large losses.
### Promoting Responsible Gambling
Besides deposit limits, online casinos in the Netherlands are encouraged to implement additional responsible gambling tools such as wager limits, reality checks, and self-exclusion options. There is also an emphasis on mandatory customer support availability in Dutch, 24/7, through email, phone, and chat, which facilitates timely intervention and assistance for those showing signs of harmful gambling behaviour.
Players are advised to seek help from professional organizations like GamCare and Gambling Therapy if they experience problems. Signs of gambling addiction recognised include gambling beyond affordable limits, increasing bet sizes, borrowing money, and suffering stress or anxiety related to gambling.
### Challenges with Illegal Gambling
While deposit limits reduce losses, there are concerns that these restrictions may inadvertently fuel interest in the illegal gambling market as some players may seek ways to circumvent limits. The Dutch regulator is monitoring the balance between controlling harm and avoiding pushing gamblers toward unregulated venues.
### Ongoing Monitoring
According to a recent report by the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA), 93% of players are still using only legal platforms for gambling. The KSA has also removed 20 illegal gambling apps from app stores and has handed out substantial fines to offshore sites.
The implementation of deposit limits and mandatory contact requirements in the Netherlands has resulted in a significant decrease in high-spending players, a 31% drop in average losses, and a steep fall in extreme loss cases. However, these measures require ongoing monitoring to address unintended consequences related to illegal gambling channels.
In summary, these measures have been effective in reducing excessive losses and harmful behaviour but require ongoing monitoring to address unintended consequences related to illegal gambling channels. Peter-Paul de Goeij, director of the Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA), stated that "Risk players are people who sometimes lie about their gambling behavior or bet more money than they intended. These are players who deserve extra protection." Keeping high-stakes players from drifting to illegal options remains one of the toughest challenges for regulators.
Casino-games such as poker and slots have experienced a decrease in excessive play due to the introduction of wager limits, part of the efforts to promote responsible gambling in online casinos. Additionally, lotteries, including the Dutch Staatsloterij, can provide a regulated alternative for those who feel the need to gamble but seek a lower-risk environment, potentially reducing the appeal of unregulated, illegal gambling venues.
