KSA chair calls for standardised gambling addiction prevention tools

Michel Groothuizen, chair of the Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA), has called for standardised addiction prevention measures to address shortcomings in the country’s gambling regulations.

His remarks follow a critical evaluation of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA), which found the law falling short of its policy objectives, particularly in protecting players from gambling harm.

“Addiction prevention should not be a platform on which providers can compete with each other,” Groothuizen said in his latest blog post.

He proposed a unified approach requiring all operators to use the same intervention parameters, offer accredited training for staff, and ensure consistent action to safeguard players.

“Part of this could be that we start working with an overarching playing limit,” he added, though he stressed the need for thorough analysis before implementing such measures.

“Hard to swallow”

Groothuizen acknowledged that the report’s findings were “hard to swallow,” pointing out that the regulation of online gambling “does not yet contribute sufficiently to the policy objectives we had in mind.”

However, he added that he believes “it is premature to conclude now that the law does not work at all.”

Parliamentary reactions have varied, with political parties like the CDA and SGP proposing to reverse the legalisation of online gambling entirely, while others, such as the Christian Union and SP, advocate for targeted restrictions, including a ban on credit card payments and stricter advertising rules.

Groothuizen, however, warned against drastic measures like a total advertising ban.

“Anyone who no longer sees advertising from licensed providers will come into contact with illegal parties, who after all do not care about the rules,” he explained, emphasising the risks posed by unregulated platforms.

Tackling illegal gambling

Illegal gambling remains a critical issue highlighted by the report.

Groothuizen reiterated his call for stronger enforcement powers, such as the ability to immediately take down illegal websites, which he described as hubs for “enormous abuses,” including underage gambling and predatory marketing.

“Reducing the illegal market even more protects vulnerable players,” he said, adding that this step is essential for stricter regulation of the legal market without driving players to unauthorised platforms.

Push for expanded regulatory powers

The KSA plans to intensify its focus on addiction prevention and education, particularly targeting young adults, who make up a growing segment of players.

Initiatives include expanding awareness campaigns and supporting school programmes on gambling risks.

Groothuizen also expressed optimism about working with policymakers to refine the KOA.

He said he recently presented a “wish list” of enhanced powers and resources to State Secretary for Legal Protection Teun Struycken.

“This is no time to sit on our hands. In collaboration with various stakeholders, we can look at what is needed now to get the regulation of the market in order, without throwing the baby out with the bathwater,” Groothuizen concluded.

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