Cruks fails: players hit by new glitch
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21 May 2025 •
Reading time: 2 minutes The Cruks register, designed to protect people from gambling addiction, faced technical problems again yesterday. Players could not register or exclude themselves from participating in online gambling.
The glitch led to many complaints from users. On social media, they complained that they could still access gambling websites despite their desire to stop gambling. A serious problem, especially for people seeking help for addiction.
Kansspelautoriteit confirms technical glitch
The Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa) informed that the website cruksregister.nl was struggling with a malfunction.
Until then, people could contact Loket Kansspel with questions. Registration is temporarily not possible, but help with questions is offered. Once the malfunction is fixed, the system will work normally again, the Ksa said.
What is Cruks and why is it important?
Cruks stands for Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen (central register of exclusion from games of chance). It is a nationwide system in which people can voluntarily or compulsorily register to block themselves from all legal gambling sites and gaming halls in the Netherlands.
The aim is clear: to protect people from gambling addiction. Those who are registered once cannot participate in gambling at legal providers for at least a year. Only then can the exclusion be extended or terminated.
How does registration work in Cruks?
Anyone aged 18 and over can register online via the website of the Kansspelautoriteit. There, you log in with your DigiD or e-recognition, fill in your details and confirm the registration.
The exclusion takes effect immediately and applies to all legal providers. Healthcare providers, GPs or mentors can also register someone if they cannot protect themselves properly.
Providers are obliged to check Cruks
Gambling operators are obliged to check every player in Cruks. If someone is on the register, they should not be allowed access. Those who do give access risk a fine or even revocation of their licence.
This is how the government tries to prevent gambling problems. But if the system fails, that protection is immediately jeopardised.
Failure affects vulnerable group of players
People with gambling problems are particularly affected by this breakdown. They want to protect themselves, but cannot exclude themselves. This makes the situation extra sensitive.Cruks should be a safety net for people who want to quit. If that system does not work, they will be left to their own devices.