The Dutch Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has released updated guidance for casino and gaming arcade operators, focusing on their regulatory duty of care to protect players.
This new initiative does not introduce new rules but aims to clarify and reinforce existing obligations by providing practical examples and clear explanations to help operators better implement responsible gaming measures.
The release of the updated guidance follows a KSA investigation into the land-based sector. While the inquiry did not uncover any instances of outright neglect, it did identify significant areas where operators could improve their player protection protocols.
The regulator acknowledged that monitoring player behavior can be more challenging for land-based venues compared to their online counterparts, which have more sophisticated data tracking capabilities.
To address this, the KSA has developed new resources, including an animated video designed to raise awareness and educate arcade employees on how to identify and intervene in cases of potential problem gambling.
Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the KSA, stated that the new guidance provides operators with the necessary tools to better safeguard their customers and uphold their duty of care.
This focus on player protection is part of a broader regulatory push by the KSA. The authority also announced that it is introducing new licensing requirements related to operator exit plans and comprehensive risk analysis.
These new rules are set to come into effect at the beginning of 2026, signaling a continued effort to strengthen the regulatory framework and ensure a safer gambling environment across the Netherlands.
