KSA asks operators to reassess loss and playing limits

The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has called on operators to act in the “spirit of the law” and move towards implementing stricter loss and time limits for consumers.

Reacting to a Dutch television programme Kassa, which explored the prevalence of online gambling in the country, KSA chairman Rene Jansen said a “balanced, nuanced picture” was painted but noted operators could do more to support their cause.

In the programme, it was revealed that despite customers being required by law to set loss and time limits before gambling, those over the age of 23 could opt for a playing limit of 24 hours-a-day and a loss limit of €100,000 (£83,450) per day.

Although Jansen conceded operators were doing “nothing wrong” by the letter of the law, he asked them to explore the practice of implementing further controls.

Jansen said: “Strictly speaking, a provider does nothing wrong with this. Nevertheless, I would like to call on the providers of online games of chance to look at this quickly and carefully. It may not be to the letter, but it is to the spirit of the law to curb the limits to be set.”

The KSA head also issued a warning to operators that they must be proactive rather than reactive with the government’s hand potentially being forced in terms of new regulation.

He continued: “I have said before: if providers themselves do not take sufficient responsibility, the government will do so. This was recently the case in Sweden, where the deposit limit was lowered and a stricter control on advertising was announced.

“My cautious assessment is that we could also go down that road in the Netherlands. If providers no longer take responsibility, of course,” he added.