24 Apr

Gambling News

Outgoing KSA chair Jansen advocates for additional RG initiatives at terrestrial venues.

René Jansen, the departing chairman of the Netherlands gambling authority Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has urged the terrestrial gaming sector to enhance efforts in mitigating irresponsible gambling behaviour.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Jansen
In October, it was revealed that Jansen will resign from his position with the KSA. He will leave with the conclusion of his current term on 1 October 2024. By the time Jansen departs, he will have completed six years at the helm of the KSA. He has supervised significant transformations in the Netherlands gaming sector, including the initiation of regulated online gambling in 2021.

As gambling gains popularity in the Netherlands, the incidence of problematic players has concurrently escalated. The Netherlands has implemented safeguards, including a prohibition on untargeted advertising. This month, a resolution was enacted to entirely prohibit internet gambling advertisements and "high-risk" betting activities, such as online slots. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether those provisions will be enacted into law.

In his address at the Casino Operations Summit in Amsterdam, Jansen emphasised terrestrial establishments and their potential to enhance the promotion of responsible gambling (RG). Jansen also observed that the KSA's investigations are yielding results, having recently terminated several large-scale operations.

“Historically, our engagement primarily consisted of initiatives undertaken by partners, including municipalities and law enforcement,” Jansen stated. Our inspectors increasingly concentrate on their individual enquiries. This is yielding results.

“The outcomes of these measures are already evident: reports to our information line regarding illegal bingos, lotteries and poker tournaments are consistently rising.” Consequently, it engenders a desire for additional content.

Jansen seeks more stringent terrestrial regulations on RG.
In his statement, KSA chairman Jansen indicated that he had visited several arcades to evaluate the initiatives that terrestrial venues were implementing to enhance responsible gaming (RG).

Jansen observed that insufficient measures were implemented to oversee players and safeguard them from reckless behaviour associated with excessive gambling. None of the arcades Jansen frequented imposed maximum duration restrictions on players. This is especially troubling for arcades that operate 24 hours a day and hence cannot compel gamers to exit.

All the establishments Jansen frequented permitted players to wager on numerous machines simultaneously. Certain arcades impose no restrictions on the number of machines a player may utilise simultaneously. Jansen stated that this encourages “immoderate” gaming, as not all arcades oversee player conduct or restrict the frequency of transactions.

The function of Cruks
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Jansen believes that Cruks, the Netherlands' self-exclusion mechanism announced in October 2021, is not being properly employed at physical venues.

The unrestricted access of certain arcades allows self-excluded players to easily enter physical establishments. Jansen asserted that this constitutes a "easily mitigated risk factor" that requires attention to assist self-excluded gamers in properly ceasing their gambling activities.

Although arcade employees are trained in Cruks, Jansen contends that certain areas, such as the capacity for land-based staff to register players for the system, still lack adequate understanding. Several venues have also neglected to implement an involuntary Cruks registration for a full quarter. This occurs despite the requirement for arcades to report gamers engaging in excessive gambling and failing to adhere to anti-problem gambling initiatives.

Contrast it with the barman at a café', Jansen stated. “His routine conversations with habitual guests serve as a mechanism of social control.” We also see frequent patrons at arcades.

“These are exactly what should attract the attention of employees.” For them, prolonged playing duration is perceived as standard, although it is, in fact, an indicator of excessive gambling.

Additional RG measures under consideration by the KSA include Jansen's call for more vigilance by terrestrial venues regarding the identification of problematic players. Jansen advocates for addiction regulations to focus more on the duration of players' gambling sessions and the quantity of machines utilised by gamblers.

Furthermore, Jansen and the KSA desire a reduction in credit card transactions.

Jansen advocated for the updating of legislation to augment the quantity of what he termed "smart" arcades. In these arcades, gamblers utilise cashless transactions to facilitate operators in identifying players, monitoring the duration of their gameplay, and tracking their wagering amounts. Jansen recognised that the implementation of those technologies would need time, particularly due to issues such as the risk of money laundering.

“Turbulent” periods for terrestrial establishments
Jansen finished by stating that these are "turbulent" times for the slot industry. This is particularly accurate in the aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak, in contrast to the online market.

The KSA chairman also emphasised that the growth of the online business has probably diverted a portion of revenue from terrestrial establishments. Moreover, there is escalating pressure from illicit gambling activities.

Jansen further indicated that both the application for and the maintenance of licenses necessitated considerable effort by providers. He contends that it must be sufficiently appealing for corporations to engage in licensing efforts to deter them from entering the illegal market.

Jansen observes a shift in the perspective of the House of Representatives.
The latest decision to outlaw internet gambling advertising followed unsuccessful attempts to impose a total prohibition on gambling advertising. The vote faced industry criticism, with the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) deeming the actions "thoughtless and irresponsible."

Following the voting, the prohibition on online gambling advertising and online slots will be referred to Franc Weerwind, the Netherlands’ minister for legal protection, for evaluation and determination about the formalisation of the bans into law.

NOGA observed that Weerwind had previously maintained a "composed demeanour" prior to enacting gambling regulations. Jansen emphasised the shift in the House of Representatives' perspective, together with Weerwind's prior remarks against several of the 10 measures passed by the House.

It is evident. Jansen elucidated that the perspective of the majority of the House of Representatives regarding the regulation of the online market has evidently shifted. The future is uncertain.