Kansspelautoriteit Chairman Warns of Threat from Black-Market Operators
In a speech at iGB Live today, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) chairman Michel Groothuizen claimed that illegal gambling operators are “stretching the limits of what is permissible” in the Netherlands.
Kansspelautoriteit chairman highlights the threat of illegal operators.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Groothuizen, who became the chairman of KSA earlier this year, said that illegal operators have been misusing the KSA logo and Google Maps ads to target players through the national self-exclusion register, Cruks. It was his first speech since assuming the role on 1 July and said that the practice “simply beggars belief".
He called on operators to “do everything they can” to safeguard players and committed to advocating for the regulator to gain the authority to block illegal websites.
This capability would significantly bolster our supervision and is a crucial topic for discussion when the Remote Gambling Act (Wet Kansspelen op Afstand) is reviewed later this year.
Licensed Operators Commended for Compliance
Groothuizen also commended licensed operators for adhering to the regulations set by the Kansspelautoriteit, especially during the Euro 2024 tournament. He said that operators responded positively to the regulator’s request to “show their best side” by strictly complying with laws and regulations and that “almost no legal operators crossed the line”.
Speaking about Dutch legislation, he acknowledged that the launch of the licensed online market took longer than anticipated and said that he is pleased he can now see how the market has evolved and described it as “an incredibly dynamic one.”
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No Total Ban on Advertising
Groothuizen adopted the stance of his predecessor, René Jansen, and said he was against a complete ban on gambling advertising, arguing that the licensed market needs to remain appealing.
He added, “Gambling operators must be able to present themselves to players. Although we are now dealing with new ministers, our message has not changed at all.”
As the KSA reviews the Remote Gambling Act, expected later this year, politicians are urging the regulator to tighten regulations. Additionally, Groothuizen noted that the ban on slots, which was voted on by Holland’s house of representatives in April, has not progressed further.
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