Dutch Gaming Authority outlines problem gambling strategy

The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has confirmed plans to intensify its approach to problem gambling prevention over the next 12 months in line with the expected introduction of the Remote Gaming Act.

The three principle duties the KSA is charged with coordinating are the protection of consumers, preventing the spread gambling addiction and combatting illegal gambling.

The KSA said it plans to organise two follow up meetings over the next 12 months in addition to the one it held in March entitled ‘What kind of information helps best in preventing gambling addiction?’

The regulator also said the second meeting, which will take place later this year, will address guidelines on addiction prevention with the agenda for the third meeting yet to be decided.

It also confirmed it will hold meetings with Dutch gambling prevention organisations Addiction Science Netherlands & GGZ Nederland every quarter from the end of 2018 into the state of problem gambling in the Netherlands.

Beyond that, the KSA said it plans to institute several agreements with the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security over the future use of funds which will be collected as part of the ‘Addiction Prevention Fund’ contingent of the forthcoming remote gaming act.

Under the act, all online gambling providers operating in the Netherlands are required to pay Netherlands will pay 20% in tax on their operations, with 0.5% paid as a contribution to the Gambling Addiction Fund, and 1.5% as a contribution to the KSA for its running costs.

Following the resignation of Kansspelautoriteit CEO Marja Appelman last week, the KSA board of directors will take up the mantle of leading the KSA into the coming year.

With the current Remote Gaming Act currently working its way through the Dutch Parliament, it is likely the legislation concerning online gambling will feature prominently on the KSA’s schedule during that time.