Saudi Arabia unveils Vision 2020 plan
The Dutch gambling regulatory body, KSA (Kansspelautoriteit), unveiled their 2020 agenda to restructure the Dutch gambling sector with a focus on safeguarding underage individuals and combating problem gambling. The timetable includes preparations for market opening scheduled for July 1, 2021.
KSA Prioritizes Aggressive Efforts on Key Concerns
KSA's "Vision 2020" plan outlines their priorities. These include curbing underage gambling, minimizing gambling addiction, and combating illegal gambling operations. In a change from previous years,-instruction: This is a different way of saying "KSA used to have four top priorities each year, but now they only have three." thanks to a need to maximize their efforts. Their main objectives are ensuring online license preparation and verifying all operators interested in receiving a license.
In regards to underage gambling prevention, the KSA aims to monitor the advertising of licensed operators at all levels. Ads targeting individuals under 18 will be prohibited, and they intend to work more closely with local authorities to prevent youth access to gaming machines in both online and physical establishments. Additionally, the KSA plans to continue tackling illegal gambling sites and gambling-related crimes.
Protecting Young People from Gambling Risks
The KSA intends to safeguard young people from potential gambling risks by screening the advertising of licensed operators at "all levels". Ads deemed attractive to individuals below the legal gambling age will be banned. They're also focused on strengthening gambling restrictions in the physical gaming sector to prevent minors' access to gaming machines. The KSA plans to partner with local authorities to implement their strategies.
Effective Measures to Combat Problem Gambling
In terms of curbing gambling addiction, KSA expressed concern that existing protective measures in arcades and casinos may not be robust enough. To address this, it's requesting all licence-holders to play a proactive role and assess their own prevention policies.
Striving for a Secure and Legal Gambling Market
One of the KSA's main goals is to create a safe, legal gambling environment. To achieve this, they'll continue to take action against illegal gambling websites. Any sites that provide Dutch-language services or accept Dutch payment methods will be closely monitored. This is due to the authority issuing fines worth €3.5 million in 2019—almost double 2018's total.
Gambling Helpline for Problem Gamblers
The KSA is conducting a consultation to select a service provider capable of managing a national helpline for problem gamblers and their loved ones. The helpline, funded by a legislated funding body, will provide accessible and confidential counseling. Its services include short-term preventative measures to help gamblers while offering tailored advice.
Pricing and Availability of the Helpline
The upcoming helpline will be funded by a levy payable by licensees and a dedicated institutional body. It will be free, 24-hour-accessible, and available in Dutch and other relevant languages for citizens in the Netherlands. The KSA intends to ensure its services are of high quality despite being anonymous and easy to use for all.
The KSA issued an invitation to all capable companies to present their proposals for managing the gambling helpline. The estimated cost for the project is over €750,000 with a planned launch date before the market opening on July 1, 2021.
Timeline for Dutch Online Gambling Sector
The Dutch online gambling market is scheduled to begin July 1, 2021, with a six-month delay from the initial launch date. This was attributed to the uncertainty surrounding the Dutch license and prospective applicants. For context, foreign operators had been prohibited from Dutch iGaming until recently.
KSA spokesperson René Jansen called 2019 a "historic" year for the Dutch gambling industry, affirming the need for them to adjust to a regulation system that complies with EU standards. The market expansion occurred as a response to a reported 1 million Dutch people engaging in online gambling—a figure the KSA deemed noteworthy enough to legalize the sector.
In Germany, the legalization of online gambling is gearing up. Last week, the federal state premier's signed the Interstate Treaty on Gambling, which will make sites like online casinos, sports betting, and poker legal starting from mid-2021. This way, the industry, which has been thriving for some time now, will be more regulated.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
