The Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa), the Dutch gaming regulator, has unveiled new guidelines for physical gaming halls and casinos. It offers concrete tools to help operators apply the legislation already in force.
An obligation reinforced by the Koa Act
Since the Koa Act came into force, the responsibility of gaming hall operators has increased. They must now demonstrate that they are actively working to limit problematic gambling behaviour.
This requirement is based on a simple conviction: protecting players is not only a matter of regulation, but also of credibility for the sector. However, the Ksa’s inspection visits revealed a gap between stated intentions and daily practice.
Revealing field visits
During the year, the Ksa carried out several visits to gaming halls throughout the Netherlands. Inspectors found that while the majority of establishments took their duty of care seriously, implementation was often incomplete or insufficiently structured.
‘During our discussions with gaming hall owners, we found that they wanted to strengthen their duty of care, but that they sometimes still had difficulty implementing it correctly,’ summarises Ksa chairman Michel Groothuizen.
Practical guidance, not new rules
The new guidance published by the Ksa is primarily intended to be educational. It does not change the existing legal framework, but provides:
- detailed explanations of what due diligence entails,
- concrete examples of good practices,
- frequently asked questions based on issues encountered in the field.
To help raise awareness among staff, the authority has also designed a poster and an educational animation. These materials aim to make the obligations more accessible to employees who are on the front line with players.
‘With these new guidelines, supplemented by information material for employees, we are giving them new tools to achieve this. Together, we are ensuring that players are also optimally protected at physical providers,’ said Michel Groothuizen.
Cruks and identity checks at the heart of concerns
Alongside its guidance on the duty of care, the Ksa has published a Leidraad identiteits- en Cruks controle (Guidance on identity and Cruks checks). This document answers the many questions received about how the Cruks voluntary exclusion register works.
This system, in force since 2021, allows players to register to be prevented from accessing casinos or online platforms. The Ksa now specifies how operators must manage identity checks and resolve technical difficulties related to Cruks.
A comparison with online gambling
In his speech, Michel Groothuizen highlighted a key difference between physical gambling and online gambling.
‘Some important factors in due diligence are easier for online operators to control than in physical casinos,’ he explained.
This distinction makes it all the more crucial to provide practical tools for staff in the field.
The Ksa’s approach illustrates a desire to align protection standards between online and physical gaming. While operators welcome the assistance provided, the real challenge lies in the sector’s ability to integrate these recommendations into its daily operations.