KSA to investigate behavioural influence tactics of online operators
The Dutch regulator will conduct an investigation into behavioural influencing tactics used by online operators to see if stricter duty of care rules need to be implemented.
Key points:
– Findings from the Behavioural Insights research agency investigation suggest there are both positive and negative practices prevalent in the regulated Dutch industry
– Some features found at certain online operators are considered potentially dangerous to those prone to addiction
– The regulator will launch its own follow up study to see if stricter duty of care rules must be established
Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling regulator, has commissioned research from the Behavioural Insights agency into techniques used by online gambling operators to influence players.
The gaming authority has shared some findings and conclusions, suggesting that the research has uncovered both positive and negative practices.
In light of this, the organisation is going to be launching its own follow-up investigation into what negative forms of behavioural influence are being wielded by operators and whether they violate the existing rules around duty of care.
Though some online providers are said to be utilising player feedback and pause functions to maintain safer gambling habits, some have been found to be reinforcing negative play by making it easy for new players to place high bets.
A detailed elucidation of the research has not been publicly shared, but the KSA hopes the discoveries will aid them in educating industry about the importance of well-executed duty of care.
Michel Groothuizen, KSA Chairman, said: “At the KSA, we understand that online providers, like other commercial companies, monitor what users do on their platforms and how they can influence that to their advantage.”
Last week, the KSA shared additional findings around duty of care and updated its guidance to operators – this didn’t extend to the establishing of new licensing rules, but there is hope it can inspire improvement in overall standards.
Good to know: Earlier this year, the KSA enacted a crackdown on the ‘autoplay’ feature, which it understands to encourage dangerous play
While that previous update to duty of care guidelines did not see the introduction of additional obligations, these have not been ruled out in the future and could follow the upcoming regulator-led investigation.
The fear, detailed in the KSA statement, is that certain gaming behaviours currently being encouraged are particularly dangerous to those prone to addiction and may encourage such people to play more.
Groothuizen added: “Thanks to this research, we have a better understanding of how they do this and can also provide more guidance on negative influence and things we no longer want to see.”
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