VIDEO | KSA Chair hints at new player protection measures in 2022 GiH Conference keynote speech
In his keynote speech at the 2022 Gaming in Holland Conference, Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) chair René Jansen warned that the regulator will closely monitor how licensed operators implement their mandatory duty of care policies.
“I predict that the government will intervene if operators do not take their responsibility seriously enough,” Jansen added.
The Ministry of Justice and Security is currently working on proposals to limit gambling advertising and reinforce player protection measures, which could include cross-operator deposit limits. Spcific details are expected to be announced on or closely before July 8.
Jansen: “The Dutch legislator has chosen to rely on players’ and operators’ own sense of responsibility by not imposing maximum limits. However, legislators in other countries have made different choices.”
Jansen concluded by making an appeal to the industry's sense of responsibility.
A full recording of the keynote speech is available here: https://bit.ly/3HRh5qA
Other notable sessions included a panel on future advertising restrictions and an Executive panel made up of some the key players in the regulated Dutch industry. The event concluded with festive drinks at Holland Casino Utrecht.
GiH networking drinks on July 7 in Amsterdam
Join us in Amsterdam on July 7 for another edition of the Gaming in Holland networking drinks.
Meet other gaming professionals while you are in town for iGB Live, which has been scheduled for July 5-8 at RAI Amsterdam.
The GiH networking drinks will take place at Rijnbar Amsterdam – a typical Dutch bar, not far from RAI Amsterdam – which also serves the famous Dutch “bitterballen” snacks.
The first couple of drinks will be free – but only if you registered by sending an email to rsvp@gamingin.eu.
Please note that we can only accommodate a limited number of guests. Subsequent registrants will be placed on a waiting list. Don't wait too long and register now!
Unibet signs partnership with AFC Ajax
Kindred Group's Unibet brand has signed a partnership deal with Dutch football club AFC Ajax, after the company was granted a license to operate in the country earlier this month.
In addition to the commercial partnership, the two parties will work together in the fields of sport integrity, mental health, and responsible gambling.
“We are delighted to have Unibet as our newest partner. Kindred Group and its brands are well known for their dedication within the field of responsible gambling,” said Menno Geelen, Commercial Director at AFC Ajax.
Lennart Kessels, Kindred’s General Manager for the Netherlands, added: “We are extremely proud to work together with Ajax. As part of our partnership, we will invest in Unibet Impact, which is a unique program based on partnerships with professional and recreational sports clubs, and societal organizations. Unibet Impact is dedicated to fostering a safer and more responsible online gambling industry.”
EM Group joins Netherlands Online Gambling Association
The Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) has welcomed the EM Group as its newest member.
EM Group is a leading provider of corporate and compliance services.
The move comes as NOGA works to unite operators and suppliers to represent the industry's collective interests.
Peter-Paul de Goeij, Managing Director of NOGA, said: “EM Group becoming a member is a boost for NOGA. Their background in compliance is of great added value for us. EM Group offers a wealth of additional expertise and experience that can only benefit NOGA’s members and the wider industry.”
Kees-Jan Avis, Managing Director of EM Group Netherlands added: “As EM Group we are very pleased to be part of the NOGA family. We have extensive experience in operating in highly regulated environments in the Netherlands. Besides offering a solution to segregate player assets from corporate funds, EM Group also has practical knowledge regarding operating a business in the Dutch market, which extends beyond licensing requirements.”
Kindred withdraws from German market
Kindred brand Unibet will exit the German market on July 1. The operator blamed onerous regulatory restrictions and the slow licensing process for its decision.
A Kindred spokesperson said that the current application processes, and the terms and restrictions for product offerings, meant the regulated market was not competitive enough to withstand offshore competition.
Germany's new State Gambling Treaty introduced a €1 stake limit for online slots, as well as a €1,000 cross-operator loss limit. A 5.3% tax on turnover, which was extended from online sports betting to online slots, has also been widely criticized as unworkable by operators and associations.
Furthermore, Kindred was recently informed that authorities had made no decision on its sports betting and virtual slots license applications, which had been submitted in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Other news
Dutch professional football club ADO Den Haag, which competes at the second “Keuken Kampioen Divisie” level, has signed a sponsorship deal involving the naming rights of its home stadium with newly licensed online operator Bingoal.
Political group GroenLinks has called on the municipal administration of the city of Amsterdam to ban all outdoor gambling advertising.
Belgium's gambling regulator Kansspelcommissie has published a provisional set of recommendations to the country's federal government to improve player protection.
Dutch online casino content provider Stakelogic has secured a provisional license to operate in the state of Michigan.