Responsible Online Gambling Laws & Regulations in the Netherlands
Online gambling has been legal and regulated in the Netherlands since 2021. After the passing of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) and the subsequent legalization of online gambling, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has been responsible for licensing and overseeing all legal online casinos in the Netherlands.
Here are some of the main online gambling regulations in the Netherlands that are related to responsible gambling:
- Licensing and Regulation: Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is the Netherlands Gambling Authority.
- Advertising Restrictions: Untargeted gambling advertising is banned on television, radio, print, via the internet and social media, and in public places. Must actively prevent ads from reaching individuals under 24 and other vulnerable groups.
- Data Protection: GDPR is applicable to online gambling websites and operators.
- Age Restrictions: Unique to the Netherlands, monthly net deposit limits are set at €300 for players aged for 18 to 24, and €700 for players older than 24.
- Know Your Customer (KYC) Checks: Verification of client information via KYC checks is mandatory.
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance: Gambling operators must comply with Dutch AML legislation per KSA licensing regulations.
- Source of Wealth (SoW) Checks: Operators are required to perform SoW checks when players exceed certain deposit thresholds, if there are indications of suspicious financial behavior, and when high-risk players are flagged.
- Game Restrictions: All casino games are permitted so long as they meet regulatory requirements, operated fairly and transparently.
Here at Online-Casinos.com, we specialize in understanding and navigating the regulations of every market we cover. Our expertise allows us to provide reliable information tailored to different jurisdictions, ensuring that players and operators alike can engage in online gambling responsibly.
Responsible Gambling Tips – Best Practices for Online Players
Responsible gambling involves making thoughtful choices to ensure a fun and balanced experience. It’s about maintaining control, setting limits, and recognizing when to step back.
Here are some useful guidelines to help avoid harmful gambling practices:
- Set a Budget: Decide on a gambling budget beforehand and stick to it, ensuring you never spend more than you can comfortably afford to lose.
- Set Time Limits: Establish how much time you want to spend gambling and avoid going beyond it. This helps you maintain balance in your daily routine.
- Take Regular Breaks: Stepping away from games periodically can help you stay focused, and avoid impulsive decisions while playing.
- Stay Informed: Always make sure you know the odds, rules, and risks associated with the games you play.
- Avoid Chasing Losses: Understand that losing is part of gambling. Don’t try to recover losses by betting more than you planned.
- Gamble for Entertainment, Not Profit: View gambling as a fun pastime, not a way to make money.
- Know When to Stop: If you’re feeling frustrated or emotional, take a break or stop completely. Gambling should always be fun, not a source of stress or anxiety.
- Use Self-Exclusion Tools: Take advantage of responsible gambling tools like deposit limits, time-outs, or self-exclusion if you feel you need help maintaining control.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a safe and entirely more responsible gambling experience, while at the same time, minimizing the risk of developing unhealthy behaviors or habits.
Online-Casinos.com Responsible Gambling Tips
Budget Your Spending Wisely
Manage Your Gambling Habits
Seek Professional Help if You Need To
Keep Your Bankroll under Control
Always try to set yourself a budget when gambling. Never go beyond the limits of what you can comfortably and safely afford to lose at any given time. Be mindful that overspending can lead to both financial strain and emotional distress. Keeping a tight control of your bankroll helps to prevent these issues.
Use Responsible Gambling Tools to Self-Manage
- Deposit Limits
- Loss Limits
- Bet Size Caps
- Time Limits
- Session Limits
- Reality Checks
- Cooling-Off Periods
- Self-Exclusion
As part of compliance with licensing regulations, most Dutch online casinos offer these responsible gambling tools. They can help you develop healthier gambling habits, curb impulsive spending, and maintain stronger control over your gambling activities. By making use of such tools, you can reduce the risks associated with problem gambling.
Impose a Voluntary Ban on Yourself Using the CRUKS Self-Exclusion Register
If you ever feel that your gambling habits are becoming problematic, seriously consider signing up with the Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen (CRUKS), which is the national gambling self-exclusion register in the Netherlands. This voluntary ban option can provide you with a clean break and prevent further harmful gambling activity.
Once registered, you can block your access to licensed gambling operators for at least six months. Afterwards, you can extend or adjust the time period of your voluntary ban and seek additional help if needed.
Problem Gambling Organisations – Addiction Prevention, Counselling & Supervision
The problem gambling organizations in the Netherlands focus on addiction prevention, counselling and rehabilitation support, offering resources to players in need alongside promoting safer and more responsible gambling practices. They can be contacted privately and in confidence.
Stichting AGOG Nederland
Offers guides to identify gambling additions and how to stop, self-help and support groups throughout the Netherlands.
- Address: Stichting AGOG Nederland, Pieter Calandlaan 317 – 319, 1068 NH Amsterdam
- Phone: 0800-2277722
- Email: info@agog.nl
- Website: www.agog.nl
- Services: Counseling, Meetings, Support Groups
Loket Kansspel
Provides help and support for people with gambling problems, alongside local meetings and support groups.
- Address: Loket Kansspel, Pieter calandlaan 317-319, 1068 NH Amsterdam
- Phone: 0800-2400022
- Email: info@loketkansspel.nl
- Website: www.loketkansspel.nl
- Services: Counseling, Meetings, Support Groups
Gamblers Anonymous Nederland
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling.
- Address: Amsterdam G.A., GW12, Geschutswerf 12, 1018 BX Amsterdam
- Phone: 06-58781038
- Email: info@gamblersanonymous.nl
- Website: www.gamblersanonymous.nl
- Services: Counseling, Meetings, Support Groups
Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen
CRUKS is the national central gambling self-exclusion register, offering the opportunity to block access to gambling sites, gaming halls, and casinos with a Dutch license.
- Address: Kansspelautoriteit, Postbus 298, 2501 CG Den Haag
- Phone: 0800-2400022
- Email: Not Available
- Website: cruksregister.nl
- Services: Self-Exclusion Register
Jellinek
Treatment and therapy for addiction problems, including expert consultation for gambling addiction.
- Address: Amsterdam G.A.,GW12, Geschutswerf 12, 1018 BX Amsterdam
- Phone: 088-5051220
- Email: Use Contact Form
- Website: www.jellinek.nl
- Services: Counseling, Therapy, Treatment
Tactus
Care, advice, and treatment for addiction problems, including those associated with gambling.
- Address: Tactus Verslavingszorg, Keulenstraat 3, 7418 ET Deventer
- Phone: 088-3822887
- Email: Use Contact Form
- Website: www.tactus.nl
- Services: Counseling, Therapy, Treatment
Vulnerable Groups – Players at Risk of Problem Gambling
According to in-depth studies and research over the years, certain groups of people are more vulnerable to the risks of harm associated with problem gambling.
warning sign
- Players with other addiction issues: People managing other forms of addiction may face increased vulnerability to gambling problems, due to challenges with impulse control.
- People from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds: Financial insecurity or poverty may lead some individuals to view gambling as a means of escape, or to improve their economic situation, increasing the risks of problematic behavior.
- Those with a history of risky behavior: Individuals who tend to engage in reckless or impulsive actions, such as thrill-seeking or high-risk activities, may be more likely to develop gambling problems.
- Teenagers and young people: Adolescents and young adults, who may not yet have the maturity to understand the risks involved, are particularly vulnerable to the influence of peers and the appeal of gambling.
- Older adults with cognitive challenges: Seniors experiencing cognitive decline, such as memory loss or dementia, may find it more difficult to manage gambling behaviors and make informed choices.
- Those with a past history of gambling issues: Those who have previously struggled with gambling addiction may be at higher risk of relapsing, which requires ongoing support.
- Individuals with cognitive or developmental disabilities: People with cognitive disabilities might face challenges understanding the potential risks of gambling, making it harder for them to regulate their behavior effectively.
- People experiencing life challenges: Social isolation, job loss, relationship breakdowns, or other life difficulties, can drive individuals to gamble as a way to escape emotional distress.
Prevention of Underage Gambling
When a player registers with an online casino in the Netherlands, they will typically be required to provide some personal information and documentation, this is partly to verify age and prevent underage gambling. Players may be asked to provide some or all of the following documents and information:
- Your Full Name (first names and family names)
- Date of Birth (for age verification)
- Government-Issued ID (passport, national ID card, driver’s license)
- Proof of Address (utility bill, bank statement, property deeds, rental agreement)
- Email and Phone Number (for verification of contact details)
- Bank/Card/eWallet Details (to verify transactions and payment information)
- Selfie or Photo Verification (sometimes requested alongside your ID document)
Compulsive Gambling & Addiction Prevention
Excessive gambling can often lead to addiction, which is a serious issue that should never be ignored or taken lightly. Here are the main risks associated with unhealthy and irresponsible gaming behavior:
Severity Index |
Gambling Risk |
How to avoid it? |
1. |
Spending too much time gambling |
Set limits on your gaming sessions and take regular breaks. Ensure that gambling does not interfere with daily activities and responsibilities. |
2. |
Spending more than you could afford |
Set your budget and stick to it. Avoid gambling with money needed for essential expenses like bills or groceries. |
3. |
Chasing losses |
Accept losses as part of the game. Never try to recover losses by continuing to gamble. This often leads to deeper financial trouble. |
4. |
Borrowing money to gamble |
Never borrow money to fund gambling. Only gamble with funds you can afford to lose. Avoid using credit for betting. |
5. |
Getting in debt |
If you find yourself accumulating debt due to gambling, seek immediate support. Set strict limits to avoid further financial strain. |
6. |
Developing a health problem |
Gambling should never cause physical or mental harm. If gambling begins to negatively affect your well-being, take a step back and seek help. |
7. |
Feeling guilt and remorse |
If you experience guilt or regret after gambling, it’s important to reflect on your habits and seek professional help to address any underlying issues. |
8. |
Becoming a compulsive gambler |
Set clear boundaries, avoid risky gambling habits, and seek professional assistance if you feel your gambling is becoming compulsive. |
All types of addictions can be dangerous and harmful, including those related to gambling. Always seek help if you feel that your gambling is getting out of control.
Unreliable Gambling Sites with Deceptive Practices
Gambling at unlicensed and unregulated online casinos is highly risky, and should always be avoided at all costs. Such sites often lack oversight, leaving players unprotected. Below are key reasons why a gambling site might be deemed irresponsible or unsafe:
warning sign
- No Verifiable License from Kansspelautoriteit (KSA)
- Lack of Self-Exclusion Tools or Player Protection Options
- No Partnerships with Responsible Gambling Organizations
- No External RNG & Payout Reports
- Lack of Transparent Company Details or Contact Information
- Weak Technical Security and Encryption
- Marketing or Advertising Which Promotes Excessive Gambling
- Unfair Terms and Conditions with Vague or Misleading Policies
These additional factors can help you to further identify and avoid untrustworthy gambling sites. In our opinion, it’s always worth being vigilant. Don’t waste time or money at sites that don’t care about your safety.