Dutch Gaming Authority introduces stricter rules for igaming
The Dutch Gaming Authority has announced it will take a stricter approach to igaming sites that target Dutch players and minors.
Although online gambling is still illegal in the Netherlands, licenses are granted, but for games of chance, they must not be in the Dutch language, have a website address ending with .com or be advertising through radio, television or print media.
The Dutch Gaming Authority is also going to crackdown on online gambling which allows minors to participate.
HW Kesler, vice-chairman of the Dutch Gaming Authority, said: “The fact minors can participate in online gambling is unacceptable.”
This year, the Gaming Authority will launch an investigation into the involvement of minors in online gambling and could take enforcement action against those who are targeting minors.
Further guidelines, which will come into effect from the June 1 will be focus on those operators that target the Dutch market with:
- games of chance via a website with a .com extension .games of chance via a website, whether or not log in, (also) in the Dutch language;
- illegal online gambling offers advertised via radio, television or print media focused on the Dutch market;
- use of domain names containing typical Netherlands referring to concepts in conjunction with gaming indications (such as lump bingo ',' fun poker 'or' red-white-blue-casinos);
- other features which focus on the Netherlands to derive (pictures on the website of typical Dutch elements as clogs or windmills, bonuses to be regarded as typically Dutch as syrup waffles).
- the use of means of payment, wholly or largely used by Dutch;
- the absence of (different variations) of geoblocking.
The Gaming Authority has been focusing increasingly on providers of games of chance without a license, such as payment service providers and advertisers.
The Netherlands has been trying to regulate online gaming for years and the Upper House of Parliament is currently considering the Remote Gaming (KOA) bill which aims to regulate online gambling.
If the Senate accepts the bill, the Gaming Authority may grant authorisation under strict conditions to providers of online gambling.
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