Dutch regulator warns of rising illegal market threat

According to Groothuizen, illegal operators have been utilising the KSA logo and Google Maps ads to target players via the national self-exclusion register Cruks.

“That simply beggars belief,” he said in his first speech since taking on the role on 1 July.

“In addressing these gambling operators, we work closely with Google and Meta, among others. We also address hosting providers when we do not get a response from a gambling operator. We are making every effort to bring down illegal gambling as soon as possible,” he said.

He made a plea for licensed operators to “do everything they can” to protect players and promised to push for the regulator to gain powers to block illegal sites.

“This possibility would definitely strengthen our supervision and is thus a key discussion point when the Remote Gambling Act (Wet Kansspelen op Afstand) is reviewed later this year.”

The Netherlands is carrying out a similar gambling regulation review to Germany, although no specific timeline was provided by Groothuizen.

Licensed operators praised for compliance of new rules

However, licensed operators were praised for upholding the current rules put in place by the regulator, particularly during this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament. 

“We called on gambling operators to show their best side and, yes, they have shown it. But this did involve closely following laws and regulations. Almost no legal operators crossed the line,” he said.

On Dutch legislation he acknowledged the licensed online market took longer to launch than expected.

“I am glad that I now get to experience close-up how the market has evolved in the meantime,” he said.

“Indeed, the gambling market is an incredibly dynamic one.”

No total ban on advertising

Groothuizen echoed his predecessor René Jansen’s position against a total ban on gambling advertising, stating that the licensed market must remain attractive.

“Gambling operators must be able to present themselves to players. Although we are now dealing with new ministers, our message has not changed at all,” he noted.

Politicians are placing pressure on the regulator to strengthen regulation and are being consulted as part of the KSA’s Remote Gambling Act review.

“In the run-up to the review of the Remote Gambling Act, we are talking to the government, especially the new secretary of state, to see what should change on their side. In doing so, we are of course keen on the implications of possible expansion of laws and regulations,” Groothuizen said.

Notably, the ban on slots voted for by the house of representatives in April, has gone quiet.