The Netherlands’ gambling regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has urged operators to ensure their customers can afford to play. By verifying that players’ bets correspond to their income, companies can prevent gambling harm and money laundering.
KSA’s New Rules for Affordability Checks
As stated in the Responsible Gaming Policy 2024, gambling companies must conduct checks on all players who wish to deposit certain sums. For young adults (aged 18 to 24), this threshold is EUR 300, while adults must have their spending capacity verified once they deposit over EUR 700.
This measure, effective from October 1, 2024, requires the use of objective evidence such as pay slips and tax returns. Certain income streams, such as tax refunds and loans, should not be considered when determining a player’s financial capacity. The KSA also warned against counting certain forms of wealth, such as owning a home.
Operators must ensure that the information they receive is sufficient, correct, and verifiable. In addition to protecting players from overspending, operators should be vigilant for potential money laundering activities, as larger deposits often imply higher risks of fraud.
Operators’ Responsibility to Verify Players’ Affordability
The KSA commended some operators for taking extra protective measures with clients. For example, some companies prevent players up to age 24 from increasing their net deposit limit, while others charge lower percentages for players with low monthly incomes. However, the KSA also noted that some operators fail to conduct sufficient checks to determine whether their clients can afford to gamble.
The KSA reminded operators to always perform these checks, prevent players from overspending, and watch for money laundering attempts. The regulator vowed to continue monitoring the implementation of the safety measures outlined in the Responsible Gaming Policy 2024.
Concerns About Gambling Harm in the Netherlands
The KSA recently analyzed player spending data, revealing that almost half of the country’s gross gambling revenue comes from a small percentage of players. The data showed that 1% of gamblers account for 43% of all money spent on gambling, highlighting significant risks for young adults, especially males.
To protect players, the Netherlands has unveiled a new support center in Amsterdam. This facility will provide harmed players with the opportunity to share their stories and learn about the treatment options available to them.
