RvKS criticises regulators’ inaction
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2 Jun 2025 •
Reading time: 2 minutes On 29 May 2025, the Raad voor de Kansspelspelers (RvKS), a Dutch organisation representing gamblers, announced its withdrawal from any active participation in the debate on gambling policy in the Netherlands. In an open letter, the RvKS denounces a system that, in its view, fails structurally to bring about meaningful change and to take gamblers’ expertise seriously.
‘Public health is relegated to second place in favour of vested interests’, the organisation states.
It also criticises the lack of a concrete and ethical duty of care policy, as well as the lack of space for dissent and innovation in the gambling sector.
Expertise ignored: players’ voices silenced
Despite the legal recognition of players’ expertise, the RvKS points out that this knowledge is often used symbolically to legitimise decisions already taken, rather than as a source of information in its own right.
‘Players‘ expertise is rarely integrated in a structural way to influence policies’, deplores the organisation.
This marginalisation of gamblers’ experience raises questions about the legitimacy of current gambling policies and the real willingness of the authorities to listen to those directly affected.
A homogenous and opaque sector: the lack of diversity in question
The RvKS also criticises the homogeneity of the gambling sector, characterised by a lack of diversity in terms of vision, origin and independence.
‘There is a worrying lack of diversity in vision, background and independence within the sector’, the organisation states.
This uniformity hinders challenge, reflection and innovation, limiting the industry’s ability to evolve and respond to the needs of players in an effective and ethical manner.
Lack of transparency: opaque decision-making
The RvKS also condemns the lack of transparency and moral honesty in the gambling sector.
‘All too often, the reasons why certain measures are not taken are concealed’, says the organisation.
Real choices are avoided or presented as technically unfeasible, preventing an open and honest discussion of the policies in place.As the gambling sector continues to grow, it is imperative to ensure that the policies in place effectively protect players and meet their needs. The departure of the RvKS is a wake-up call that the authorities cannot afford to ignore.