Strict online gambling limits: Rules restrict gaming behavior
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25 Aug 2024 •
Reading time: 3 minutes The Gaming Authority in the Netherlands has provided more clarity about the Responsible Gaming Policy Rule. Which will come into effect on October 1, 2024. These are designed to promote responsible gambling and reduce risks of gambling addiction. The regulator has answered frequently asked questions on its website. With regard to crucial parts of the policy rule such as the income check, real-time monitoring and intervention measures.
One of the most important provisions in the new rule is the introduction of a deposit threshold. From €700 per month or €300 for young adults. If a player deposits more than this amount in a calendar month without the amount being paid out, gambling providers are obliged to intervene and contact the player.
Amounts above the deposit limit and risk analysis
A crucial aspect of the policy rule is the approach to deposits that exceed the set limit. Although players can still deposit amounts above the limit, gambling providers must then assess whether these deposits indicate risky gaming behavior. If the provider suspects that a player is deliberately trying to circumvent the rules, this can be seen as a sign of intemperate gaming behavior. Providers must take appropriate measures in such cases.
An example given by the Gaming Authority concerns an adult who deposits € 750 in one go. Whereby only €50 exceeds the deposit limit. If there are no further signals of irresponsible gaming behavior, the provider can allow the full amount to be wagered. However, the responsibility lies with the provider to block further deposits in the same calendar month. If there are signs of potentially risky behavior.
Financial capacity and GDPR Legislation
According to the policy, operators are not obliged to check the financial standing of players. However, these must block further deposits once a player has reached the limit. However, if a player wants to continue depositing, he can provide documents. This is to demonstrate that he or she has sufficient resources to continue playing.
The Gaming Authority leaves it to the providers to determine how long they can rely on the financial data provided. This depends on the situation. Such as the player’s type of work or income. In addition, providers must take into account the General Data Protection Regulation GDPR when storing player income data. These may only remain in the archive for a certain period of time.
The Gaming Authority emphasizes that amounts won from games of chance are not considered income because they are incidental. These amounts are part of a player’s assets. When a player bets more than 30% of his liquid assets, this may indicate risky behavior.
Intervention measures pop-ups and bonus restrictions
Online casinos must respond within an hour to signals of excessive participation in gambling, although the regulator allows some flexibility. After detecting such a signal, the provider still has one hour to intervene. This means that a maximum of two hours may pass between the problematic playing behavior and the intervention. This will be quite a challenge for operators.
A pop-up notification that warns a player that he has been playing for some time is considered an intervention measure by the Gaming Authority. This means that after such a warning, providers may not offer bonuses to the player for a period of up to ninety days. This is laid down in Article 6 of the Regulation on Recruitment, Advertising and Addiction Prevention.