Netherlands consumer association claims leading operators have “misled” players
Consumentenbond names bet365, Unibet and BetCity in report as it sends findings to government officials and regulators
The Netherlands consumers’ association, Consumentenbond, has claimed leading operators in the market have “misled players” and encouraged “excessive gambling”.
In a series of claims, Consumentenbond has suggested bet365, Entain-owned BetCity, Unibet, Jacks, Holland Casino and TOTO Casino are encouraging gambling through three strategies.
The body, which was established in 1953 to promote customer protection in the Netherlands, has flagged its findings with the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) and the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM).
The group has also written to the Dutch Minster for Legal Protection, Franc Weerwind, to call for action to be taken given the reported findings.
In one instance, the organisation claimed that both Holland Casino and TOTO Casino set standard deposit amounts at €50, well above the minimum deposit of €10.
Consumentenbond argued this would ultimately put players at a “disadvantage” and would encourage excess spend.
Elsewhere, the organisation has reported that Holland Casino and TOTO Casino have continued to send marketing and promotional materials to customers who have opted out of operator communications.
Additionally, Holland Casino is alleged to have placed pop-ups promoting bonuses “prominently during play”.
Consumentenbond has further reported that various bonus restrictions have been placed on customers by the named operators, including requirements to wager the bonus funds before being able to sanction withdrawals.
Sandra Molenaar, CEO of Consumentenbond, said: “One of the aims of opening up the online gambling market was to prevent gambling addiction and to protect consumers. But nothing comes of it this way.
“Consumers are misled and encouraged to gamble excessively. That is completely irresponsible. And the fact that two state-owned companies are also guilty of this is too insane for words.
“That is why we have sent a letter to Minister [Franc] Weerwind and asked him to act,” she added.
A Kindred Group spokesperson told EGR: “Kindred Group has not been informed of the research, its findings, nor were we asked for input on the results so therefore it is difficult to assess what the report is referring to.
“We do not recognise us with what is written in the article and we believe that we comply with all current laws and regulations regarding bonuses.
“We do not offer bonuses while players are playing and therefore do not recognise us in the example given by the Consumer Association. In some of our slots, players do get an announcement at the beginning of the game to give them more information about our promotions.”
EGR has approached the other five operators named in the Consumentenbond investigation for comment.