Netherlands Submits Further iGaming Regulations to European Commission

The Dutch government has sent further details of its proposed online gambling legislation to the European Commission for comment. The latest submission includes details on technical standards, record-holding and reporting requirements as well as what intervention licensees will be required to take when a player shows signs of problem gambling.

The regulations state that electronic casino games must use a “reliable random number generator” that “cannot be manipulated”, while live casino games must be protected against unauthorised access and manipulation. Licensees must also refrain from using “misleading” names for licensed games. Sports betting will not be allowed on “negative events” such as yellow cards in football nor on events that have no impact on match results.

On reporting measures, the proposed legislation will require all licensees to submit annual reports that include data on the number of registered players, due diligence checks, rejected registrations, suspected integrity breaches and complaints.

The Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit will have the ability to request more frequent reports. Licensees will need to record information on each player’s registration, whether enhanced customer due diligence was carried out, and continual data on the total time and money each customer spends on different verticals, and data for every payment transaction.

Regarding problem gambling, the proposed regulations set out six possible ways in which operators must intervene in player activity, choosing the most appropriate measure depending on the player’s age, activity and any reaction to past interventions.

The Dutch Remote Gambling Act is due to come into force in January 2021, with licensees to launch next July.