Ksa-CEO Groothuizen focuses on strict rules for gambling advertisements
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31 Oct 2024 •
Reading time: 3 minutes Since July 2024, Michel Groothuizen has been at the head of the Gaming Authority (Ksa). With a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience, he is committed to regulating the Dutch gambling world even more tightly.
In an interview with CasinoNieuws.nl, Groothuizen talks about his biggest challenges, such as tackling illegal gambling sites and the complicated rules surrounding gambling advertisements. His goals are clear: protect gamblers and ensure that everything in the industry becomes more transparent. And if new rules are needed to maintain the balance between legal and illegal providers, he does not hesitate to introduce them.
Groothuizen on safety and the choice for legal gambling
Groothuizen is fully committed to something he calls the “channelization degree”, or the percentage of players who choose legal gambling sites instead of the shady, unregulated variants. And the Netherlands is doing well in this: approximately 95% of gamblers now opt for legal.
According to Groothuizen, this huge number is a sign that the regulation is working. “We ensure that people can play safely without falling into the hands of dubious sites,” he says. The idea is simple: by offering a safe environment, gamblers can play responsibly and risks are reduced.
The challenge with gambling advertising and marketing
The advertising world surrounding gambling is more complicated than ever. Legal providers are constantly looking for new ways to stand out without crossing the line. And guarding that boundary is a major task for the Gaming Authority. Groothuizen explains that they are under pressure at the Ksa to create clear rules.
This way, consumers remain protected against misleading advertising and it is immediately clear what is and is not legal. He is even considering stricter rules to protect young people and vulnerable people in particular from the influence of gambling advertising.
Vigilant supervision of growing gambling market
The Dutch gambling market is growing, and this is particularly noticeable among young people between the ages of 18 and 24. Groothuizen sees this as a vulnerable group and therefore wants to protect them extra. That is why the Ksa keeps a close eye on this group, so that they can intervene quickly if problem behavior increases. Deposit limits have already been introduced to prevent problem gambling, but Groothuizen emphasizes that staying alert remains essential to stimulate responsible gaming behavior.
Groothuizen’s vision for the future of the Gaming Authority
With his background in justice and regulation, Groothuizen wants the Gaming Authority to remain a strong supervisor. Together with policymakers and the industry, he works on a safe, responsible gambling market.
He is open to cooperation with legal providers, as long as they adhere to the rules. Groothuizen has set his sights on making the gambling world more transparent and safe for everyone, with rules that protect the consumer and provide clarity.