Jansen’s speech started by reflecting on his time at the KSA and the actions that have been taken during his time with the organisation, before addressing providers on the current state of the online gambling market, responsible gambling and other topics.
Within his speech, the outgoing Chairman reflected on the Remote Gambling Act when it was first introduced and the growing need for responsibility in the industry given the ever-growing market in the Netherlands which now boasts 29 licensed online gambling operators.
Regarding responsible gambling, the KSA this week released a modified Responsible Gaming Policy Rule. Jansen underlined that he was “very proud” that everything had been put together in such a short space of time and “within the boundaries set by current legislation.”
It was announced in the speech that the KSA are going to set up a temporary Online Duty of Care department, which should be up and running in September, which will look at supervising the legislation and regulations related to the new policy rule, in relation to the supervision of the operators’ duty of care.
In the Netherlands there has been a ban on untargeted advertising since July 2023 and Jansen highlighted how “the ban on untargeted advertising caused a lot of controversy when it entered into force and I would be lying if I said that it has not caused problems for us as the regulator,” but mentioned how the KSA will be working to give people the opportunity to exclude themselves from gambling adverting.
Ahead of this summer’s showings of sport including Euro 2024, the Olympics and the Tour de France, Jansen in reference to advertising addressed providers by saying: “I again want to issue a warning and advise you to choose moderation, rather than push the envelope. For the gambling market, which is under so much scrutiny, it seems crucial to me that everyone shows their best side.”
He also explained how in the coming months, the KSA will be running an awareness campaign to help consumers, especially young adults, against “gambling-related temptations” that they may come across during the summer.
Towards the end of his remarks, Jansen indicated that the KSA will be keeping an eye on the channelisation rate and also doing what they can to deal with the rise of illegal offerings on the Dutch market.
Jansen ended his speech by reflecting on the importance of the players and that “care for the player must always be the priority!” pleading for those in attendance at the conference to ensure safeguards are in place against problem gambling.
