Chairman Michel Groothuizen (Ksa) attends political debate on gambling  

The Ksa is serious about intensifying the fight against illegal providers. Michel Groothuizen, who has been appointed chairman of the Board of the Kansspelautoriteit since July 1st last year, periodically writes a blog about what’s going on at the workplace. In this way, he illuminates the issue and outlines potential solutions to put an end to these illegal websites, as the number of illegal apps continues to rise.  

Ksa is fully committed to combat illegal apps  

We previously informed you that the Ksa has already ensured that 20 illegal apps have been eliminated.  

The Ksa also warns of the deceptive methods used to mislead users. They also provided a special reporting form so users are able to report suspicious apps immediately.  

Criticism from gambling debate  

How does the chairman himself deal with this raging battle? He states there are things that you are always well prepared for as a chairman, but that it is frustrating when the question actually comes up and you are not allowed to answer it.  

This situation occurred when he attended the committee debate on gambling from the public gallery where state secretary Struycken served as a guest speaker to gauge how people view these matters from a political point of view.  

Michel Groothuizen: 

“I was more than prepared for the fact that his answers would also lead to tasks for us as the Ksa. And then the question came up, from member of parliament Boswijk of the CDA: What has been preventing the Ksa from intervening for the past 9 years?”  

This was directly about tackling illegal apps. The timing was very inconvenient, because the Ksa has indeed taken steps to combat these illegal websites. But at the time this came to light from political view, the Ksa has not yet shared its working methods with the outside world.  

Michel Groothuizen was therefore unable to answer the member of parliament Bosmans’ question, but would have liked to show that the Ksa is actively committed to putting an end to these practices.  

Strong supervision requested to identify illegal apps   

Michel Groothuizen believes that interesting matters were certainly also discussed, namely matters that he himself would have mentioned.  

“The state secretary countered the question with a number of points that I would certainly have highlighted in addition (tracing the parties behind the apps is incredibly difficult, we need help from ‘big tech’, app store operators.” 

He indicates that such parties are not always willing to cooperate, which is why this problem has indeed grown remarkably strongly in recent years. The political debate also revealed that a strong supervisor is essential. In the two-minute debate a week later, additional tools emerged offering the Ksa new opportunities to work with.  

A total of 19 motions were submitted, including several motions on the minimum age for gambling and how to effectively combat the illegal market.  

More effective measures needed against illegal apps  

The VVD pointed out the danger that stricter rules for legal providers could encourage players to seek out illegal platforms and that people are not aware that there is no player protection on these websites. The VVD therefore tried to oppose the proposed increase in the minimum age to play.  

Michel Groothuizen: 

“The state secretary did not agree with this, and fortunately, it seems that tightening the regulations does not make the market less attractive for now: the channeling in terms of players remains consistently high (still, 91% of players choose only legal options). However, the observation that 50 cents of every euro spent online goes to illegal providers is unfortunately true. And also very concerning. This means that we need to tackle the illegal offerings more effectively.” 

Both the various parties and the state secretary support the expansion of the Kansspelautoriteit’s legal resources. This pleases Michel Groothuizen, but it will take at least two years before the introduction of new legislation has taken effect.  

“So for now, we will need to make more impact based on our current (still more limited) powers. Because, to briefly return to the criticism from Mr. Boswijk, the Ksa hasn’t been sitting on its hands for 9 years, but 9 years is an incredibly long time in a landscape full of technological innovation.” 

Initially, there was a lot of political resistance to restricting internet freedom by having a watchdog take websites offline, but fortunately there is now more support for such measures. 

“It has now become clear that there are quite negative aspects to the unlimited openness of the internet.” 

Preventing illegal providers from legal games and social media  

Illegal providers try to exploit their business model to their victims through legal games and social media. More attention should be paid to this as well as making payments to illegal websites more difficult. 

Collaboration with other parties such as the sector itself, banks and payment providers is therefore essential. The Ksa has already started a project to undermine the infrastructure of illegal providers. And thanks to the support of legal providers, this approach will be even more effective.  

International corporation is required  

Illegal providers often operate from abroad which requires international cooperation. Within partnerships such as GREF and IAGR, guidelines are being developed to provide support. 

This autumn, a conference will be held with other supervisors to allow case-based information to be shared in order to achieve a more concrete approach. This will allow illegal websites to be tackled even quicker. 

Michel Groothuizen:  

“All in all, the debates have provided enough to work with, both for the ministry and for our own organization. In this way, we aim to push illegal entities further into a corner, using existing and constantly new tools in our toolbox, and doing more to make safe play a reality for everyone in the Netherlands.” 

The Kansspelautoriteit faces the future with optimism, determined to make a powerful impact. Every player should be able to play safely.