The Netherlands has evaluated the "Remote Gambling Act" (KOA) and called for "urgent adjustments".
This assessment was conducted by the Dutch Justice and Security Agency WODC, and it has put forward a series of recommendations to address some issues found in the "Remote Gambling Act".
Firstly, the study found that online gamblers are not sufficiently protected against the risks of addiction, and they are unaware of the addiction risks and their own gambling behavior. This also indicates that the protective measures are not functioning effectively.
The assessment criticized online gambling providers and their monitoring of gambling behavior, questioning whether providers should fulfill this duty of care. It mentioned that providers must collaborate with addiction experts to develop policies to prevent addiction, but "such collaboration is very limited".
On the other hand, WODC did mention the reliability of online gambling and the actions against fraud.
Worth noting: By 2025, the gambling tax rate in the Netherlands will increase from 30.5% to 34.2%
Therefore, WODC has made the following suggestions: Independent research should be provided with player data to prevent addiction, the duty of care should be specifically regulated, and the tools for KSA to monitor licensed supply should be increased.
It also suggested improvements in combating the illegal market, protecting vulnerable target groups from the impact of promotional activities, and expanding the core objectives of "preventing gambling addiction" and "preventing gambling harm".
Other news from the Netherlands this week includes the National Bank of Saudi Arabia condemning three suppliers this week for improper advertising and targeting vulnerable groups.
