After a year of fine-tuning, the new-look policy was introduced late last year.. In early January 2024, the KSA started consultations regarding the update, asking stakeholders to provide opinions on the proposed policy changes.

Key Adjustments Introduced by the KSA in 2024

Six months later, it made a significant step forward with an amended policy that detailed a range of adjustments and clarifications, only to roll out the final version in October.

The report, published on April 14, claims that the measures to protect players have already shown positive effects. The regulator has reported a significant drop in cases where players have lost considerable amounts of money, while the percentage of extreme losses has also seen a sharp decline.

Furthermore, the KSA noted that the figures suggest that most Dutch players play with legal providers. Despite this, the regulator suggests that the amount of money wagered has also increased.

Noteworthy Findings From the KSA Responsible Gambling Report

The KSA reported a gross gaming result (GSR) for 2024 of 1.47 billion EUR, a 6% increase from the previous year’s figure of 1.39 billion EUR. 

GSR dropped 10% in H2 2024 compared to H1, although the gaming authority believes this may have been due to the uptick in H1 wagering due to the European Football Championships, which took place in June 2024.

The report lists several noteworthy findings. Players aged 18 to 23 comprise 9% of the adult population and lost 11% of the Dutch GSR in H2 2024.

However, they also spend less on average, with players over 24 spending 148 EUR per month compared to young adults’ 48 EUR per month.

1.19 million accounts engaged in online gaming in the last six months, an increase from 1.1 million in the six months prior. The number of new accounts also rose in the fourth quarter.

The KSA also recorded a drop in losses as the year progressed. The average loss in the first half of 2024 was 160 EUR, while H2 dropped to 148 EUR.

A decline in extreme losses was also noticed. Before introducing the new responsible gaming policy, 4% of accounts lost over 1,000 EUR per month. After the October policy update, the figure dropped to 1.2%.

The report noted that 91% of all online gamblers go to legal providers to play games. Still, the amount of money spent in illegal markets increased considerably, representing 50% of all the funds Dutch people spent on games of chance.

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A preliminary injunction filed by the operator in breach means that the regulator is currently obliged to keep the operator’s name confidential. If disclosure is permitted later in the legal process, the KSA will release the operator’s name. 

Responsible Gambling Breaches at Mystery Dutch Operator

Under Dutch gambling law, licensed operators are required to uphold a duty of care, which includes protecting players from “excessive gambling behavior and addiction.” 

Reports of significant financial losses among young adult players were investigated by the KSA, and the regulatory authority found that the operator failed to uphold its duty of care. 

The KSA reviewed ten player accounts with the largest recorded losses. The players were between the ages of 18 and 23 and had lost tens of thousands of Euros, often within a short period of time. As a result, the operator is deemed to have violated Dutch law. 

Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the KSA, stated: “We have a regulated gambling market with the idea that those who wish to gamble can do so safely. That’s why operators have a duty of care and must respond appropriately to signs of excessive play.”

He continued: “Large losses are a clear warning sign. We have intensified our oversight of online duty-of-care obligations, and violations like the ones found here are dealt with firmly. We do not want to see operators failing their duty, especially when it comes to vulnerable young players.”

Offshore Efforts Continue to Ramp Up

Last week, the Dutch regulator fined Techno Offshore €1.2 million ($1.4 million) for illegally offering gambling in the Netherlands.

The operator is deemed to have offered illegal services through its brands Nolimitbet and Simplecasino. 

The regulator issued Techno Offshore a cease-and-desist order last year and threatened fines if it failed to comply. The latest report suggests that the firm has not adhered to its requests and still permits Dutch customers onto its platform. 

Through its portfolio of sites, Techno Offshore offers cryptocurrency deposits and was found to have a nascent age verification process and no responsible gambling or consumer protection measures in place. 

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The KSA accused the operator of “illegally offering gambling” services via its Nolimitbet and Simplecasino websites.

In an official notice, the regulator wrote that “offering online gambling without a license for the Dutch market” remains “prohibited.”

Dutch Regulator: Netherlands-Based Users Can Still Access Sites

Last year, the regulator ordered Techno Offshore to stop offering its services to Dutch customers and threatened fines if it failed to comply.

However, the KSA’s latest report claims that Techno Offshore has not adhered to its requests. The regulator said the firm has not stopped allowing Netherlands-based customers onto its platforms.

The regulator’s report noted that the operator was still providing “prohibited games” and using “cryptocurrency” to make customer account deposits.

It also noted that Techno Offshore did not enforce “playing limits” or “age verification” policies on its websites.

The KSA noted that the operator’s websites “did not take sufficient measures” to block “Dutch players.” The regulator wrote: “Options like autoplay and turboplay were available. These types of game options encourage excessive gambling behavior.”

Michel Groothuizen, the Chairman of the KSA’s Executive Board, was quoted as stating: “Licensed providers in the Netherlands must comply with all kinds of rules to protect players from gambling addiction.”

Groothuizen added that “illegal providers” often fail to take steps to “prevent” the development of high-risk gaming behavior.

He said that examples of this include “not using age verification, enabling payments with crypto, or failing to enforce gaming limits.” Groothuizen said: “We will take stern action against these types of [operators] because they attract players to illegal websites. And consumers have insufficient levels of protection [on these sites].”

Techno Offshore – British Virgin Islands-based

The regulator noted that the Techno Offshore websites state that the firm is located in Tortola. The latter is the largest of the British Virgin Islands.

It also stated that Techno Offshore has a Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission permit to “operate and offer gambling on websites.”

The Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission regulates the gambling industry in the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory in Quebec, Canada.

The KSA noted that, during its probe into Techno Offshore, it discovered that the firm’s “websites remained accessible from Dutch IP addresses.”

The KSA wrote that its latest investigation “showed that it was still possible to log in from the Netherlands and participate in games of chance on the websites. No technical measures had been taken to prevent participants from the Netherlands from accessing [gambling games].”

The regulator also noted that “Netherlands” was offered as a “country of residence” option during the websites’ registration processes.

If customers chose “Netherlands” as their “country of residence,” the websites’ software automatically filled in the country code for the Netherlands (+31) in the telephone number field.

Groothuizen: More Reforms Needed

Groothuizen took charge at the KSA in mid-2024. Shortly after his appointment, he claimed that forthcoming Dutch gambling reforms would incorporate elements of “continuity and inevitability.”

Last year, the KSA chief said he was committed to reforming the Netherlands’ Remote Gambling Act (known locally as the KOA) despite the reservations of the Dutch coalition government.

Groothuizen has spoken about the need to launch a regulated gambling market in the Netherlands. He has claimed that this would help boost user protection and fight the rise of black market players.

He has also called on the government to grant the KSA more direct powers to block access to illegal gambling websites.

The KSA is the top supervisor and regulator of gambling services in the Netherlands. Per its website, the regulator is “funded by the industry through gambling levies.”

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Chatting to CasinoBeats, Axisa walks us through the major milestones for the company in the last few months before outlining some of the key territories for expansion later in the year.

CasinoBeats: Firstly, can you begin by giving our readers an introduction to yourself – who you are and what your role at Booming Games entails?

AA: I started out as an account manager here, but back in 2021, I switched things up and moved into the sales department. 

Being the Head of Sales means I’m in charge of the sales crew, driving up the revenue, and playing a big role in the company’s overall achievements. It’s been an amazing ride so far, and I can’t wait to see where the future takes me in the always-exciting igaming world.

CasinoBeats: It’s been a busy first half of the year – what would you say have been some of the biggest milestones for Booming Games so far?

AA: It’s been very busy and very exciting indeed. First of all, we’ve unlocked new territories with licences for the UK and SGA, we`ve also managed to enter the Netherlands, Colombia and Spain. Those strategic moves enable for us many new possibilities to grow our European and LatAm presence. 

We also need to mention new partnerships with top tier operators, such as Kindred, Rivalo, TonyBet, Snai and Bingoal, which boosted our games performance. 

Our slots have been climbing the charts, with Leprechaun’s Lucky Barrel and BabyBloomers rocking AskGamblers as the best seasonal games to play. Hold onto your hats – PayDay Pig is making a name for itself as one of the top five new UK online slots for 2023. And the talk of the town? Dog Heist Shift ‘n’ Win, stealing hearts with its catchy theme, Cash Collect feature and mind-bending Shift ‘N’ Win mechanics.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. We were shortlisted for big awards like EGR B2B Mobile Gaming Software Supplier and Slot Game Provider of the Year at the SiGMA Awards Americas 2023.

The first half of the year has been a whirlwind, and we’re gearing up for even more excitement ahead.

CasinoBeats: As we understand, you’ve made progress in entering three new markets this year – Netherlands, Colombia and Spain. Why did you choose to enter these markets in particular?  Have you found that players within these markets show a preference for particular Booming Games titles? 

AA: Absolutely, entering the Netherlands, Colombia and Spain has been a strategic move for us. These markets have shown immense potential and align perfectly with our growth vision.

In the Netherlands, the vibrant gaming culture and the recent regulatory changes presented an exciting opportunity. Players there have a knack for engaging gameplay, which resonates well with our titles. Colombia for instance, with its rapidly expanding igaming scene, provided us a chance to tap into a dynamic player base seeking innovative entertainment. 

Our games’ unique features have certainly caught their attention. Spain, a key hub for online gaming, felt like a natural fit. Players appreciate our diverse portfolio, and the market’s appetite for fresh, engaging content has allowed us to shine.

In all three markets, we’ve observed players showing a clear excitement for Booming Games titles. Our focus on immersive gameplay, captivating themes, and innovative mechanics has struck a chord with them. It’s an exciting journey, and we’re thrilled to be part of their gaming experiences.

CasinoBeats: You recently acquired both a UKGC and SGA licence. How will these two new licences enable Booming Games to expand its European footprint?

AA: Obtaining both the UKGC and SGA licences was a significant achievement for us and a meticulous process. These licences mark a pivotal moment for Booming Games. With the UKGC and SGA certifications in hand, we’re empowered to expand our European presence significantly. 

These licences act as stamps of approval, showcasing our commitment to responsible gaming and compliance. They open doors to new partnerships with reputable operators, allowing players across the UK and Sweden to experience our innovative titles.

These licences definitely strengthen our position in the European market and amplify our ability to deliver top-notch entertainment to a broader audience. We’re excited for the journey ahead.

CasinoBeats: Tell us about some of the exclusive releases that you’ve launched this year – how important are exclusive titles when it comes to building long-term engagement with players?

AA: Exclusive releases are very important for us, as they play a crucial role in fostering long-term player engagement. We’ve had the pleasure of introducing some exciting exclusive titles to the gaming world, such as BetFlag’s Gold Gold Gold, StarCasino’s King Cobra, and BetVictor’s Pinata Wildz and more.

Exclusive titles hold a special place in building lasting relations. They offer players a unique experience and tend to generate higher levels of engagement due to their novelty and the sense of being part of an exclusive club. 

Players are more likely to explore and immerse themselves in these games, fostering a stronger bond with the game and the brand. This translates to longer playtimes, increased interaction, and a more dedicated player base. So those releases definitely elevate the gaming experience to a whole new level and contribute significantly to our long-term success in the industry.

CasinoBeats: How do you ensure that Booming Games slots stand the test of time?

AA: It is, of course, an ongoing journey that involves rigorous testing, continuous learning, and constant refinement.

We follow a meticulous process of analysis, examining the performance of our games to pinpoint what resonates most effectively within specific markets. This involves understanding player preferences, trends, and evolving gaming dynamics. By delving into these insights, we uncover valuable lessons that guide us in crafting experiences that players truly love.

Our commitment to quality and longevity is evident in our portfolio. We have a few games that were introduced several years ago, yet they continue to reign as top performers. This speaks to our dedication to crafting games that stand the test of time, thanks to their engaging gameplay, innovative features, and timeless appeal.

So, the approach combines a blend of data-driven insights, player feedback and a dedication to innovation. By consistently fine-tuning our offerings, we ensure that Booming Games slots remain captivating and enjoyable for players, maintaining their popularity and relevance over the years.

CasinoBeats: What can we expect to see from Booming Games in 2023 and beyond?

AA: We’ve got cool stuff coming your way – new games with innovative features and mechanics. Stay tuned for more details coming real soon!

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The KSA noted that the policy provides “more guidelines for imposing fines” and “more clarity to gambling providers and other parties” under the authority’s supervision. 

Published in the Government Gazette of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the policy will apply to all violations that the KSA supervises, covering specific violations determined by the country’s Remote Gambling Act and its Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Prevention) Act (Wwft).

The new fine policy is split into five categories, each category with a basic fine amount. 

Category one fine range is €0 to €500 with a basic fine of €500; category two fine range is €0 to €10,000 with a basic fine of €10,000; category three fine range is €0 to €200,000 with a basic fine of €100,000; category four fine range is €0 to €1m with a basic fine of €500,000; and category five fine range is €0 to €4m with a basic fine of €2m.

The KSA noted that fines in category five will only be imposed for Wwft violations. For non-Wwft violations in the highest category of category four, the authority has the option to further impose a turnover-related fine of 3% of the offender’s gross turnover to increase the fine’s effectiveness.

Offering transparency surrounding how fine categories are determined, the authority has provided a step-by-step breakdown of its violation evaluation process: 

• Step 1: Basic amount – determines the applicable basic amount for fine
• Step 2: Recidivism – doubling the basic amount if the licence holder has committed the violation previously.
• Step 3: Seriousness – examining the magnitude and duration of the violation, if the licence holder has previously violated the standard without an administrative sanction being imposed, negative consequences on customers, negative social consequences and possible integrity risks, reducing or increasing the fine if necessary by up to 50%.
• Step 4: Blame – evaluate the licence holder’s culpability, reducing or increasing the fine if necessary by up to 50%.
• Step 5: Scope of Offender – Use the licence holder’s gross turnover to determine the fine amount. For entities within corporate groups, consolidated turnover may also be considered.
• Step 6: Special circumstances – Licence holders can present special circumstances which may reduce fines by up to 25%. Examples include voluntary reporting, full independent investigations, rectifying action taken and implementing effective measures to end the violation.
• Step 7: Accumulation of fines – taking into account related violations if necessary to ensure fines imposed are appropriate.
• Step 8: Benefits Acquired – if the benefit obtained is higher than the fine amount, the fine will be increased to at least the amount of that benefit obtained.
• Step 9: Financial capacity – If necessary, the financial capacity of the licence holder will be taken into account.

The Government Gazette reads: “For determining a fine for a violation of a provision classified in category I or II, only steps 1, 6 and 9 of the step-by-step plan apply. For determining a fine for a violation of a provision of the Wwft classified in category II, step 2 also applies.”

Michel Groothuizen, Chair of the board at the KSA, stated: “The KSA is becoming increasingly professional as an organisation. After the opening of the online market in 2021, we were given a new category of license holders. In 2022, we imposed a first fine on a license holder. 

“We have now gained enough experience to arrive at a well-considered fine policy for both license holders and other parties. This creates clarity for the parties under our supervision and hopefully motivates them even more to avoid fines.”

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In a statement on its website, the KSA said LiveScore Bet had filed a request to revoke its online gambling license and that this request was granted as of 23 December 2024.

“This means that from now on LiveScore no longer has a license to offer online games of chance on the Dutch market,” said the Dutch Gaming Authority.

LiveScore Group announced the withdrawal of LiveScore Bet operations from the Netherlands market back in November. The exit was due to the Dutch Government’s planned gambling tax increase.

Sam Sadi, CEO of LiveScore Group, said at the time: “On behalf of all LiveScore Malta directors, it is with regret that we have made the difficult decision to exit LiveScore Bet from the Netherlands. Unfortunately, the planned tax increase means that this market is no longer viable commercially.

“Since our launch in 2021, we have built a brilliant community of engaged customers, and we will greatly miss our relationship with them. We would like to thank our players, people and partners during our time in operation.” 

Back in September, the Dutch government’s Ministry of Finance stated that it would initially increase the gambling tax in the Netherlands from 30.5% to 34.2% in 2025, before increasing again to the final figure of 37.8% in 2026.

LiveScore Bet’s exit from the Netherlands is part of a wider group restructuring process which was announced by the operator’s parent company in November.

LiveScore Group declared that it will undergo an internal restructuring process which is expected to impact over 100 existing roles across multiple business locations, including London.

The parent company of LiveScore, LiveScore Bet and Virgin Bet described the restructuring as a “difficult yet important step” and that the changes will “create improved structures and a pathway to long-term sustainable growth”.

The post LiveScore Bet’s exit from Netherlands confirmed by Dutch Gaming Authority appeared first on CasinoBeats.

As a result of the partnership, Swintt’s collection of traditional slot releases will become available to the Dutch operator brand – adding to the over 2,000 slots, table games and live casino titles offered by the firm. 

As well as games from the provider’s SwinttPremium range, the deal will also include slots from Swintt’s studio subsidiary ELYSIUM Studios. 

Lars Kollind, Head of Business Development at Swintt, commented: “The Netherlands has already proved to be a hugely important market for Swintt this year, so we’re delighted to now have the opportunity to strengthen our online presence in the country by teaming up with Hommerson.nl.”

Games within the provider’s SwinttPremium range include Seven Seven Pots & Pearls and Aqua Lord 2, with the collection of titles offering more traditional slot mechanics and features.

Kollind continued: “With SwinttPremium games proving incredibly popular with Dutch audiences, we’re sure this collection will go on to perform exceptionally well for the operator and we’re looking forward to seeing how releases in the new Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt range are received by players.”

Meanwhile, games from Swintt’s ELYSIUM Studios subsidiary incorporate more modern slot mechanics and bonus features in games such as I Hate Fairytales, a recent Slot of the Week selection. 

Remco van den Berg, CEO at Hommerson.nl, added: “With more than 2,000 top casino titles available on our platform, Hommerson.nl is famed for providing the best variety of gaming options to players – and this reputation will only be enhanced by our new partnership with Swintt.

“Known for providing a diverse line-up of slots that’s capable of catering to all preferences and playing styles, the presence of SwinttPremium releases and newer Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt titles will ensure players have no trouble finding their new favourite title at Hommerson.nl.”  

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The “pack your life again, take a gambling stop’ initiative is a continuation of KSA’s pilot self-exclusion marketing of the national CRUKS register from last year.

The primary target group of the new campaign is young adults who may be experiencing problem gambling behaviour. Therefore, the marketing efforts behind the awareness initiative are all largely focused on social media rather than traditional media outlets.

Across the online videos, social ads and posts, a number of young people can be seen interacting with others in various social situations, implicating the importance of interpersonal relationships and how losing control over gambling can harm them. 

Operated by the KSA, CRUKS was launched back in 2021 as part of the Dutch government’s mandate of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) to regulate the online gambling market.

Under the rule book, all online gambling providers are by law to ensure that new players are not listed on the CRUKS registry before onboarding them onto their systems.

The KOA is currently subject to reforms, with a recent evaluation of the regulatory framework by the Research Agency for Justice and Security finding policy shortcomings when it comes to establishing a responsible gambling environment. 

Reforms are spearheaded by the Dutch Secretary of State for Legal Protections, Teun Struycken, who remains committed to ironing out potential discrepancies in the license holders’ duty of care even at the turn of the new year.

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The collaboration sees Thunderkick offer a selection of its proprietary slot titles to the Dutch operator, with the provider hailing the nation as a ‘key target’ for expansion this year. 

Fredrik Ekholm, Head of Sales at Thunderkick, stated: “Enhancing our presence in the Netherlands was a major target of Thunderkick’s coming into 2024, and the partnership with 711.nl marks a huge step towards achieving that goal.

“711.nl has showcased a desire to put players at the centre of what they do, and the inclusion of Thunderkick slots in its portfolio will no doubt improve the customer experience.”

As a result of the deal, 711 players based in the Netherlands will gain access to Thunderkick slot releases such as Pink Elephants, Midas Golden Touch 2 and Xterminate.

Gilles De Backer, Chief Operating Officer at 711.nl, added: “Thunderkick creates games that capture players’ attention, and we can’t wait to incorporate these into 711.nl’s ever-expanding catalogue.

“Its games not only look great, but are also packed with exciting mechanics and features which we’re sure will resonate with our player base.”

The deal adds to a busy period of European expansion for Thunderkick as the studio extended its supplier licence for the Danish market to 2029 last week. 

The recent move follows recent regulatory developments in Denmark as the country’s regulator announced that all online casino suppliers would require an official supplier licence from the beginning of next year. 

Wan Kim, Chief Compliance Officer at Thunderkick, commented: “Thunderkick continually strives to amplify its position in Europe, partnering with leading operators across target markets to enhance brand visibility and increase our player base.”

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Blanco brings 17 years of gambling industry experience to Hard Rock Casino NL, joining from DAZN Bet where he was Chief Experience Officer.

Previously, Blanco has held senior positions at ComeOn Group, Kindred Group and BetBright, where he was Chief Product Officer, Group Head of Gaming as well as Gaming Director respectively. He has also worked for 32Red and Betclic Group.

“I am excited about this new challenge and the opportunity to work with an iconic global brand,” commented Blanco on his new role.

“Hard Rock Casino NL fits perfectly with my personal values ​​in terms of style and tone of voice. I look forward to stimulating this rising star player in the Dutch market towards further growth, maturity and scalability. “

Hard Rock Casino NL is operated in the Netherlands as part of a brand licensing agreement with iCasino BV, which has an online gambling licence to operate in the country.

Paul Strikers, who was previously the Hard Rock Casino NL CEO, will stay on at the operator as MLRO and Public Affairs Manager.

“We are pleased with Cristiano, an experienced person in the right place,” added Strikers.

“With his background at Kindred/Unibet and ComeOn, Cristiano has valuable expertise of the Dutch online casino market.” 

Earlier this year, Hard Rock Casino NL grew its online casino offering in the Netherlands after securing content partnerships with Bragg Gaming Group and Stakelogic.

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