KSA: Dutch market on track to “ultimate goal” one year on from launch
René Jansen reflects on challenges over the last 12 months as market hits 85% channelisation rate
Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) chief René Jansen has said the Dutch market is edging closer to its “desired ultimate goal”.
Speaking on the first anniversary of the market’s regulated launch, Jansen noted the initial difficulties during the last 12 months but was positive with his future outlook.
The Dutch market currently has 22 licensees, having started with an initial trance of 10, with the market welcoming back heavy hitters such as Entain and Kindred Group following cooling-off periods.
In fact, the KSA recently noted monthly gross gaming revenue (GGR) in the market stands at approximately €80m.
Additionally, in July, there were 563,000 active accounts, with average monthly loss per player account amounting to €153.
Reflecting on the last 12 months, Jansen said: “Step by step we are getting even closer to the desired ultimate goal: a completely safe environment for people who want to gamble online, without any place for illegal providers.
“It is certainly not uncommon that there are initial difficulties when applying a new law or imperfections in the accompanying regulations,” he added.
Jansen went on to note the need to be flexible as a regulator and be able to shift strategy and policy in real time.
He continued: “Practice is often unruly and society and the behaviour of citizens and businesses are not easy to control. It is important to make the right adjustments on the basis of the observed facts, whereby the right balance must always be sought. Too strict regulation of legal providers can cause illegal providers to be sought out too often.”
Elsewhere, reports from Gaming in Holland have suggested the proposed ban on broadcast gambling ads in the Netherlands is unlikely to go into effect on 1 January 2023 as originally planned.