In a landmark move, the Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has implemented a new deposit limit of €300 for gamblers aged between 18 and 24. This decisive action aims to foster a safer gambling environment and curb the risks associated with gambling among young adults.
A Step Towards Responsible Gambling
The KSA’s recent policy update marks a significant shift towards responsible gambling. The new rules, effective from October 1, require operators to perform financial checks on young players attempting to deposit amounts exceeding the €300 threshold. This measure ensures that the gambling habits of young adults remain within reasonable limits and that they gamble only what they can afford.
Operators are now mandated to block further deposits for the month if a player cannot afford the deposit. This rule applies to all gamblers, with a higher limit of €700 set for those over the age of 24. The KSA’s stringent approach also allows for exceptions in special cases, such as professional poker players who may need to deposit larger sums for tournaments.
Enhanced Monitoring and Intervention
The revised policy by the KSA also introduces stricter monitoring of gambling behavior. Operators must now intervene within an hour upon detecting signs of excessive gambling. These signs include gambling for extended hours, continuous betting, and repeated depositing. The KSA defines gambling for more than six hours a day as a potential indicator of gambling harm.
The authority’s commitment to real-time monitoring around the clock is a testament to its dedication to preventing gambling-related harm. This proactive stance on intervention is expected to play a crucial role in protecting vulnerable players from the pitfalls of excessive gambling.
The Rationale Behind the New Measures
The KSA’s decision to amend its Responsible Gaming Policy Rule stems from a study conducted in September 2023. The study revealed that operators were not consistently intervening with at-risk players in a timely manner. Coupled with recent changes to gambling advertising rules and the ban on role models, the KSA felt compelled to draft these amendments.
The draft underwent a consultation process, receiving feedback from operators, trade bodies, and addiction experts. The majority of the feedback centered around addiction prevention, highlighting the industry’s focus on safeguarding players’ well-being.
