Dutch regulator to consider new enforcement tools after fines had “little effect”
KSA admits fines are not being paid and are having little effect on level of gambling participation
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has called into question its ongoing use of fines, saying the penalties have had “little effect” on reducing the volume of online gaming in the Netherlands.
In a consultation document on its 2019 strategy, the KSA said some fines were not paid due to the fact they have been levied against international firms who were not within its jurisdiction.
Highlighting an “undiminishing” demand for online gambling in the Netherlands, the KSA said there was a lack of awareness amongst consumers that online gambling is illegal, contributing to the high instances of regulatory infractions.
Addresing the KSA’s comments, Frank Tolboom of Dutch legal firm Kalff Katz & Franssen believes the complaints are designed to put “pressure on politicians to expedite the legislative process”.
Tolboom added: “They want new tools to tackle unlicensed operators – these tools can only be provided once the new law has entered into force.”
To address this, the KSA has confirmed it is searching for “innovative possibilities” to make online gambling less accessible to the consumer.
Dutch politicians are due to debate the long-delayed remote gambling bill and the casino reform bill on 5 February, with a final senate vote scheduled for 12 February. If passed, this will end a three-year saga for Dutch egaming legalisation, following initial passage of the bill in 2016.
The KSA confirmed it is “preparing intensely” for the legalisation of egaming, asserting its expectation that the remote gaming bill will be passed in this vote.
The regulator said it was developing a licensing process for egaming operators but did not confirm when this would be rolled out.
In addition to the licensing process, the KSA confirmed it is considering measures “to counteract a disproportionate increase in advertising” by gambling companies, calling for licensed operators to advertise in an “understated” manner.