As of October 1, 2024, the Netherlands has implemented new online gambling deposit rules aimed at promoting responsible gambling and protecting players. These regulations introduce strict deposit limits and enhanced player monitoring to prevent excessive spending and encourage safer gambling practices. The new rules are part of the Dutch government’s ongoing efforts to ensure a safer online gambling environment for all players.
Stricter Deposit Limits for Players
The new regulations mandate that players cannot exceed a net deposit of €700 per month. For young adults aged 18 to 25, this limit is set at €300. These limits are designed to prevent excessive gambling and ensure that players do not spend beyond their means. If a player reaches their deposit limit, they are temporarily restricted from making further deposits until the start of the next calendar month.
Players who wish to exceed these limits must provide proof of income to the operator. The operator will then assess the player’s financial capability, typically allowing deposits up to 30% of the player’s net income. This measure ensures that players can only gamble within their financial means, reducing the risk of financial harm.
In addition to the mandatory net deposit limits, players must set personal deposit limits when creating an account with an online gambling operator. Operators are required to engage with players who set high deposit limits to ensure they are aware of the risks and available support options.
Enhanced Player Monitoring and Interaction
To promote responsible gambling, operators must display responsible gambling messages regularly during gaming sessions. Pop-up notifications will appear every 30 minutes to inform players of the time spent gambling. These alerts also notify players when they have reached 50% and 100% of their set deposit or time limits.
Operators must contact players who set high deposit limits, specifically €350 per month or €150 for young adults. This interaction, usually conducted via phone call or chat, aims to ensure players understand the risks of excessive gambling and are aware of support options, including self-exclusion via the national scheme Crucks.
For existing players with deposit limits above these thresholds, operators must display a pop-up message explaining the risks of high limits. This message must be visible for at least 30 seconds, after which players can adjust their limits if desired. This mandatory interaction only occurs when players increase their deposit limits above €350; lowering a limit does not require such contact.
Industry Response and Impact
The Dutch gambling trade association, VNLOK, has expressed support for the new measures, emphasizing their role in ensuring a safer gambling environment. VNLOK members have already taken extra-legal measures to provide additional protection for players, such as the Online Gambling Advertising Code and stricter limits for young adults.
However, some industry experts have raised concerns about the potential financial strain these regulations might place on operators. The new rules require significant resources for monitoring and interacting with players, which could impact the profitability of online gambling operators. Despite these concerns, the overall goal of the regulations is to create a safer and more responsible gambling environment for all players in the Netherlands.