The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has recently launched a new Online Duty of Care Unit to oversee and regulate the online gambling industry in the Netherlands. The creation of this unit comes as the country prepares to open up its online gambling market to international operators in October 2021.
The Online Duty of Care Unit will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the new Remote Gambling Act, which is set to come into effect on March 1, 2021. This act will allow international operators to obtain licenses to offer online gambling services to Dutch players, marking a significant shift in the country’s previously strict gambling regulations.
The KSA has highlighted the importance of responsible gambling in the online sector, and the new unit will play a crucial role in ensuring that operators adhere to strict regulations aimed at protecting players from the potential harms of online gambling. The unit will work closely with licensed operators to ensure that they implement effective measures to prevent problem gambling and protect vulnerable players.
In addition to monitoring operators’ compliance with the Remote Gambling Act, the Online Duty of Care Unit will also be responsible for investigating and taking enforcement action against operators that fail to meet their obligations under the new regulations. This could include fines, license suspensions, or other sanctions.
The KSA has emphasized that the Online Duty of Care Unit will focus on transparency and communication with operators, and will work collaboratively with industry stakeholders to ensure a smooth and successful transition to the new regulatory regime. The unit will also work closely with other relevant agencies, such as the Dutch Gambling Addiction Prevention Foundation, to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to responsible gambling.
Industry experts have welcomed the creation of the Online Duty of Care Unit, noting that it represents a significant step forward in the regulation of online gambling in the Netherlands. They have praised the KSA for its proactive approach to addressing the potential risks associated with online gambling, and have expressed confidence that the new unit will help to create a safe and responsible online gambling environment for Dutch players.
Overall, the launch of the Online Duty of Care Unit represents a major milestone in the evolution of the Dutch online gambling market. With the new Remote Gambling Act set to come into effect next year, the KSA is working diligently to ensure that operators comply with the strict regulations aimed at protecting players and promoting responsible gambling. The industry will be closely watching the work of the Online Duty of Care Unit as the Dutch online gambling market continues to evolve and expand.
