The Netherlands.- In an effort to combat illegal marketing within the gambling industry, the Dutch online gaming affiliate body, Keurmerk Verantwoorde Affiliates (KVA), has engaged in discussions with the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the national gambling regulator. The meetings centered around research into illegal marketing practices and the responsibilities of affiliate marketers.
The KVA announced its collaboration with the KSA’s marketing group to specifically target illegal advertisements and affiliations, as well as to explore new technological advancements relevant to the sector. Despite these efforts, the KVA emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research before any new regulations concerning affiliate marketing are implemented. They advocated for evidence-based decision-making, noting that premature regulations could hinder the effectiveness of legal operators.
Established in 2021, the KVA serves as a professional body for gambling affiliates in the Netherlands, aligning its formation with the implementation of the Netherlands’ Remote Gambling Act. This legislation was instrumental in opening a regulated online gambling market. Affiliates associated with KVA are required to adhere to a stringent code of conduct, which emphasizes responsible marketing, addiction awareness, and compliance with national advertising standards.
The KVA reassured its members and partners that the KSA shares their commitment to creating an attractive regulated market to combat illegal gambling. They expressed optimism that this shared vision would influence future policy decisions. The KVA’s message was clear: a strong regulated market is essential for reducing the appeal of illegal gambling activities.
In a bid to increase public trust and recognition, KVA recently launched a redesigned website. This initiative aims to enhance the visibility of the KVA among Dutch consumers who engage with online gambling platforms. A new feature of the website is the members’ portal, which provides users with the ability to verify the credentials of affiliates. Members also receive personalized certificates detailing inspection outcomes, audit frequency, and information about the compliance officer responsible for their most recent review.
Furthermore, KVA has broadened its educational outreach through a Responsible Gambling hub. This platform delivers guidance, support resources, and crucial information about the risks associated with unlicensed websites. By doing so, the KVA positions itself as a vital source of information for the regulated market, promoting safer gambling practices.
At the regulatory level, proposed reforms in the Netherlands’ gambling sector include raising the minimum age for online casino gaming from 18 to 21. Additionally, there’s a proposal to introduce mandatory financial assessments for players wishing to increase their deposit limits beyond those set last October by the KSA. Currently, these limits are €300 for players aged between 18 and 24, and €700 for those older than 24.
However, the political landscape has introduced uncertainties. Teun Struycken recently resigned from his role as legal protections secretary in the Dutch government, where he was responsible for overseeing gambling regulations. His departure casts doubt on the future of proposed reforms, especially with an early general election scheduled for October 29. The pending election adds a layer of unpredictability to the legislative environment, as changes in political leadership could influence the direction of gambling policies.
Despite these uncertainties, industry observers believe that the regulatory framework in the Netherlands will continue to evolve. Some argue that increasing the age limit and implementing financial assessments are essential steps to protect younger and more vulnerable gamblers. They contend that these measures would help prevent gambling-related harm and ensure a more sustainable market in the long term.
Conversely, critics of the proposed reforms caution that overly restrictive measures could push players towards unregulated markets, where protections are minimal, and risks are higher. They argue that a balanced approach is necessary, one that safeguards consumers while keeping the legal market competitive and appealing.
In conclusion, the collaboration between the KVA and KSA highlights a proactive approach to addressing illegal gambling practices in the Netherlands. By focusing on research, responsible marketing, and educational outreach, the KVA aims to strengthen the integrity of the regulated market. As the industry faces potential reforms and political changes, the commitment to a well-regulated environment remains at the forefront of discussions, ensuring that consumer protection and market sustainability are prioritized.
