You engage in gambling intending to have fun and rewarding opportunities. No one hopes to fall into the ditch of negative gambling impacts such as addiction and financial problems. Gambling regulatory bodies work tirelessly to enhance fairness between the casino operators and their customers.
By early 2019, the gambling participation level in Netherland had increased by 20% over the last two years. Even though no online gambling was illegal by then, wagers could not deny their thirst for gaming. A body that focuses on consultancy and research work revealed that out of the 17 million Netherland’s population, 1.86 million citizens engaged in unlawful wagering.
A study carried on in 2018 revealed that the government was missing out to collect a huge amount of revenue since it could not tax the unauthorized act. The research showed that people spent about $679 million on online casinos.
A survey supported by Holland Casino brought out to light that 38% of the respondents participated in gambling, 18% of them being active at online wagering. 66% of the respondent supported online gaming and the majority of them requested the Dutch government to allow wagering online.
Since 2010 the heated debate about online gaming has occupied the Dutch authorities. In 2016, Remote Gambling Bill was approved by the lower house parliament which calls for a 29% tax on all online and offline gambling revenues. The bill also approved another 0.5% to help those with wagering problems like addiction and 1.5% to Kansspelautoriteit (KSA).
As concerns for legalizing online casinos in Netherland hit the bottom line, illegal operators continue facing heavy fines. The fines issued in 2018 amounted to $1.95M as compare to 2017 when it settled at $1.1M.
Kansspelautoriteit self-exclusion scheme
In 2019, KSA published the new online gambling license information. Despite the publication, the operators were asked to take the responsibility of responsible gambling. Rene Jansen, chairman of KSA, also urged that the target of the Remote Gambling Act of achieving channeling of 80% within three years should not be ignored.
Early this year, Jansen urged operators to consider applying for licenses for the new legal market in the country. He promised that the participants will adopt a strict but fair oversight of the sector. The body will open the licensing process by 1st January 2021 for the land-based casinos. The country hopes to open regulated online wagering marked by 1st July 2021.
Part of the KSA’s approach to responsible gambling will be the birth of the Central Exclusion Register which will operate under the name Cruks. The register will help players in the Netherlands to exclude themselves from wagering with licensed operators. It, therefore, demands the casino operators to check the register before allowing a player to open an account on their site.
In March 2020, the Netherland Gambling Authority held Cruks information sessions with land-based operators. The sessions with online casino operators were to be held afterward. The sessions were aimed at educating operators on how to pursue responsible gambling all over the country.
Land-based casinos were offered a test version of Cruks on 13th July to ensure that their connection to the system is functioning well. KSA also encouraged the operators to acquire Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for authentication purposes to allow them to implement the scheme faster.
As a player, you can register for your Cruks Code to allow you to access the gaming. The code is made up of your Citizen Service Number (BSN), name, gender, and the date of birth. This means that operators will not allow you in if you haven’t registered.
It is clear that the government of the Netherland is willing to save Dutch players from irresponsible gambling and also addiction. You only get an opportunity to spin the reels at a land-based or online casino once you have your Cruks code.
It is important to highlight that it is still possible for players from Netherlands to play at online casinos without Cruks: it is easy to find a foreign casino zonder vergunning & Cruks (these terms are used by local players to find an MGA-licensed casino which can allow them to play without Cruks).
Gambling Advertisement
This will also save the minors from wagering as it is an illegal act. The minors will not have an opportunity to register with Cruks at any point. A motion on banning broadcasted gambling ads between 06:00 to 21:00 was passed by the Dutch Lower House in December 2019.
Later this year on 18th June, Sander Dekker- Minister for Legal Protection clarified that operators need to avoid excessive advertising. He urged them to provide clear and specific information about the products advertised. The Dutch casino operators were also expected to shed light on the risk of wagering such as addiction. This would save every fan from succumbing to the situation.
Sander expressed the need to avoid unrealistic expectations in ads. For instance, if you suggest that a player has chances of winning, they can spend even their last coin to win which might not be true. It is a matter of bringing everything to light in all the gambling ads.
Through the implementation of the Remote Gambling Act, KSA would gain additional power that will lead to responsible gambling among the Dutch. The rules will allow the body to overcome illegal operators by issuing binding orders to stakeholders such as media businesses, advertisement partners, and payment service providers.
The minister also made it clear that there will be a separation between lotteries and other igaming products. This would help players from moving from low-risk wagering to more risky online gaming. This would see the Dutch market protected from merciless casino operators.
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands ‘ authorities are working tirelessly to protect every fan. All the rules put in place helps you to mind your money, have a limited deposit, and also sometimes take a break from gambling. It may not be all rosy but it keeps you within the lane of responsible gambling. It keeps you to the toe of financial management all the time.
In a nutshell, as your online casino operator works out to achieve the Remote Gambling Act demands, train yourself to wager within your limit. Don’t ruin your life and affect your family and friends. It is a call for discipline in gambling. It is easy to adhere to the set rules with a willing heart.