The Netherlands in the News — Weekly Round-up for June 22, 2018

By Brian Cullingworth, Last updated Jun 22, 2018

Dutch Authority Clamps Down On Loot Boxes

Encourages gambling, Kansspelautoriteit says

The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelauthoriteit (KSA), begins its next phase in the clamp down on loot boxes later this week.

The action follows an investigation into the practice from November 2017 to April 2018 in which the regulator concluded that loot boxes encourage a gambling mindset in youth and requires games companies to make adjustments which would include disallowing trading or selling of loot boxes for cash outside of the game.

The investigation found four of the ten loot boxes from popular games that were studied were in conflict with Dutch gambling law.

KSA said it will begin monitoring games companies this week to ensure that adjustments were sufficient to ensure loot boxes could no longer be characterised as games of chance as outlined in the Betting and Gaming Act.

The KSA suggested adjustments might include providers replacing loot boxes in their game with ‘direct buy’ or virtual items allowing purchasers to choose what they buy.

There will be strict penalties for those that do not make the required adjustments, administrative fines of up to Euro 830,000 could be imposed or 10 percent of the company’s worldwide turnover, the KSA warned.

Dutch Authority Updates Lower House On Remote Gambling Progress

Despite no indication of when the Senate will address the draft remote gaming bill

The Dutch Gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has communicated progress on the draft Remote Gambling Bill to the House of Representatives Lower House.

The letter details extra measures implemented to negate gambling addiction that include oversight of license holders obligations.

Other updates to the bill include the requirement for foreign providers, not established in the European Union, to establish a local presence in order to be eligible for license application.

In addition, licensees will be required to appoint a representative in the field of addiction prevention in the Netherlands.

Other considerations include a closer look at the separation between games and games of chance, the KSA said, in terms of reducing the risk of gambling addiction primarily in young people.

The bill on remote games of chance currently languishes in the Dutch Senate. The House of Representatives passed the bill in July 2016.

Brian Cullingworth

Infopowa news was a staple of Casinomeister’s news from 2000 until 2019. Brian Cullingworth was the main writer, contributor, and was one of the most knowledgeable persons I have ever known involved in the online casino industry.

We first met in January 2001 at the ICE in London where I observed him going booth to booth interviewing online casino, software, and licensing jurisdiction representatives. Brian was also heavily involved with our forum as “Jetset“, he was involved as an informal consultant to eCOGRA, the OPA, and was a player advocate who assisted countless aggrieved players with his connections to industry folks. He also published “Casino Cautions” via Infopowa news for quite a number of years. These can be found in our news archives.

His passing in February 2019 was a dark day for us. He will be forever missed.


Latest News

It’s That Time of the Year Again: Casinomeister Awards 2024

It’s that time of the year again! Casinomeister Awards for 2024 have been announced, and we give you all the highlights.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Feb 5, 2025
It’s That Time of the Year Again: Casinomeister Awards 2024

New Rating System for Sweepstakes Social Casinos — Now Live!

Casinomeister has a introduced a detailed new rating system for sweepstakes casinos, making it easier to find the right place to play.

By Filip Colovic, Last updated Feb 3, 2025
New Rating System for Sweepstakes Social Casinos — Now Live!

Evolution’s License Getting Dissected by the UKGC Over Suspected Black Market Activity

The big-name live casino provider Evolution Gaming is facing the UKGC’s investigation for suspected black market activity.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Jan 16, 2025
Evolution’s License Getting Dissected by the UKGC Over Suspected Black Market Activity

Spin Into the Festive Spirit With Pragmatic Play and Unwrap an Amazon Voucher

Get in the holiday spirit with Pragmatic Play’s festive tournament and claim up to four €200 Amazon vouchers.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Dec 18, 2024
Spin Into the Festive Spirit With Pragmatic Play and Unwrap an Amazon Voucher

Oshi Casino Exclusive Xmas Promo: 200% Match + 100 Free Spins

Take advantage of this exclusive Christmas offer at Oshi Casino — a 200% match up to $200 and 100 free spins. Grab your promo code here!

By Filip Colovic, Last updated Jan 16, 2025
Oshi Casino Exclusive Xmas Promo: 200% Match + 100 Free Spins