Dutch regulator calls for cooling-off period extension

The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has called for a six-month extension to the “cooling-off period” during which previously sanctioned operators may not enter the country’s online gambling market.

In letters issued to both the Dutch senate and the Dutch house of representatives, Minister for Justice Sander Dekker confirmed the KSA’s intention to extend the cooling-off period in response to parliamentary motions.

The cooling-off period was initially set at two years, however secondary regulation governing the new Dutch online market have been delayed, resulting in the market roll-out being delayed until the middle of 2021 at the earliest.

The delay would have potentially allowed several previously sanctioned firms to enter the market at the same time as operators, which have not been on the receiving end of enforcement action.

A first draft of the secondary regulation was also included with both letters.

Dekker also revealed the KSA has held discussions with Dutch payment providers, culminating in an agreement to cease payment services to unlicensed operators once the market opens next year.

According to Dekker, the KSA is reportedly looking to introduce powers to issue binding notices to advertising and media companies to also stop advertising by illegal operators.

Dekker also confirmed the intention of the KSA to launch its nationwide self-exclusion scheme – known as CRUKS – in the middle of 2020, as well as the provision of funding for the scheme through payments by operators.

Licensing of Dutch operators is expected to begin in January 2021, with a view to commencing market operations in July 2021.