Tighter restrictions have come into force this week (October 1) concerning gambling online in the Netherlands, with a focus on deposit limits.
Gamblers will now have to consider deposit thresholds relating to a player’s net deposit during a calendar month. When the net deposit exceeds €700 ($777), there can be no further deposits made until the end of the calendar month as they will be blocked.
The limit is even lower for young adults aged between 18 – 25 as the net deposit limit is set at €300. The restriction will refresh on the first day of the calendar month.
Under the new measures, players will have to set their own personal limit for deposits when they sign up to an online operator.
Those operators must then raise awareness of the help available to those who are at risk of harm, including people who have a limit of €350 a month or higher and €150 for young adults. They will also highlight the national self-exclusion scheme Crucks and set out the risks associated with online gambling.
Further messaging will be instilled into online gameplay, with pop-up messages occurring every 30 minutes to tell the player how long they’ve been on and when they’re halfway through their pre-set playing time limit.
Increase to net deposit limit possible in the Netherlands
According to Casino Nieuws, people can increase their net deposit limit by sharing proof of income or assets with the online casino. It’ll then be based on this information that a provider can increase the limit, with about 30% of net income said to be used as a guideline.
For the online operators who have slots that showcase balance in points, this must now be changed to euros so players can immediately see how much they have bet in real money.
The industry trade association of Licensed Dutch Online Gambling Providers (VNLOK) supports the new measures that protect players.
Helma Lodders, the chair of VNLOK, said in a press release that has been translated into English: ““VNLOK members have already taken extralegal measures to provide additional protection of players.
“For example, with the Advertising Code Online Games of Chance or stricter play limits for young adults. VNLOK is therefore in favor of proven effective measures that keep the Dutch online gambling market safe and responsible.”
Lodders also commented on the possible upcoming changes to Dutch gambling law as the Remote Gambling Act is currently being evaluated, with the conclusion expected to come at the end of the month.
VNLOK considers it a matter of good governance to wait for the outcome of this and decide on the basis of that whether new measures are necessary.
