Ksa investigates risky gambling behaviour
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21 Jan 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) recently published the results of a detailed study on the markers of risky gambling behaviour. The analysis is based on pseudonymised data collected from licensed operators’ digital safes (CDBs), a system introduced following the regulation of online gambling in 2021.
Traditionally, gambling addiction problems have been primarily associated with significant financial losses. However, the Ksa highlights that other indicators, such as gambling frequency, sudden changes in habits or repetitive deposits, also play a crucial role.
“Risky behaviour is not limited to extreme losses. It includes more subtle signals, such as gambling at late hours or frequent use of multiple gambling products.”
In-depth data analysis
Since the regulation of online gambling in the Netherlands in 2021, licensed operators are required to store player data in digital safes (CDBs). These databases contain crucial information, including deposits, withdrawals, game types, as well as interventions carried out to limit risky behavior.
The data used covers a period of one year and includes detailed information on transactions, the type of games played and operator interventions. Based on this wealth of information, the Ksa has identified five key categories of indicators:
- Gambling intensity: Measured by the number of days played and the amounts wagered.
- Loss of control: Evidenced by frequent deposits or an increase in gaming limits.
- Increased gambling: Gradual or sudden changes in habits.
- Game type: Certain games, such as slot machines, present higher risks.
- Operator behavior: Includes interventions in the event of risky behavior.
The study used innovative methods, including workshops with experts such as Prof. Dr Tony Schellinck and Tracy Schrans. These workshops identified that risky behaviours differ between subgroups, for example between gamblers with limited budgets and high rollers. An important point was to focus on risk markers rather than markers of harm. This allows for prevention and intervention before serious problems arise.
Telling results
The study found that night-time gambling is a major indicator of risky behaviour. The data shows that casino gambling is more common at night than sports betting. However, night-time sports betting, although rare, if it becomes the norm for a gambler, could be an even stronger indicator.
Another key finding concerns the distribution of losses: only 1% of registered accounts have losses greater than €2,500 per month, but these gamblers generate 43% of operators’ gross revenue. In addition, young adults (18-23 years old) lose less on average than older players, but a small proportion of this age group represents a significant share of operators’ revenues.
Towards better supervision
The Ksa intends to use these results to compare operators’ practices and assess the effectiveness of their interventions. For example, the average time before an intervention or the total amount lost before an action are key indicators to analyze. Particular attention is paid to the differences in reporting between operators, with some companies recording low-level interventions while others only report major actions.
With this analysis tool, the Ksa not only wants to improve the regulation of online gambling but also to encourage best practices. The data could also be used to establish international standards and inspire other regulators. By supplementing these analyses with additional indicators, such as PGSI scores, the Ksa could refine its methods for ever more effective prevention.
Finally, the possibility of tracking players across multiple operators is a promising area of development. Currently, the data only allows monitoring within a single operator, but an inter-operator analysis would provide valuable information to better understand risky behaviors and refine intervention strategies.