Between political projects, societal concerns and consumer protection issues, how can we guarantee the safety of players without pushing them towards illegal offers? A recent initiative supported by the KVA is giving fresh impetus to this debate by highlighting the concrete risks associated with circumventing existing protection mechanisms.
Player protection at the heart of concerns
For several years now, consumer protection has been a central pillar of online gambling regulation. Voluntary exclusion, age control, addiction prevention: these measures aim to limit the risks for the most vulnerable members of the public.
However, a paradox is increasingly worrying observers. Studies conducted on a structural basis over several years show a consistent trend: when access to the legal offer becomes less clear, some gamblers turn to illegal alternatives.
It is precisely in response to this phenomenon that a new information initiative has been launched. It is aimed at players seeking to circumvent the exclusion mechanisms, often out of frustration or lack of understanding of the risks involved. Lack of control, no recourse in the event of a dispute, increased exposure to fraudulent practices: the risks are numerous and often underestimated. The goksitezondercruks.nl website serves as an information platform.
The illegal market, a major beneficiary of excessive restrictions
Research carried out in recent years has revealed one clear fact. The more the visibility of legal operators is restricted, the more the illegal market gains ground. This phenomenon not only affects players who are already in difficulty, but also younger or less informed profiles, attracted by misleading promises.
Unlike regulated platforms, illegal sites do not respect any obligations in terms of prevention, transparency or data protection. They operate outside any legal framework, making any corrective action extremely complex.
Self-regulation and collective responsibility
In addition to this specific action, the industry is affirming its commitment to greater self-regulation. Ongoing research, prevention initiatives and cooperation between players are all considered essential to maintaining a safe and transparent gambling market.
In a changing political context, one thing remains certain: the safety of players can only be guaranteed by a balanced combination of regulation, information and shared responsibility.