Michel Groothuizen, the new chairman of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), announced his plans to enhance the Dutch regulator’s fight against illegal gambling. Speaking at iGB Live in Amsterdam, he emphasized the need to protect Dutch citizens from the harmful impact of unlicensed operators.
Groothuizen’s First Public Address
In his inaugural public appearance as the KSA chairman, Groothuizen expressed deep concern over the growing black market in gambling. He likened illegal operators to pirates, highlighting their disregard for standards and regulations. Groothuizen criticized these operators for exploiting the vulnerabilities of players and the limitations of Dutch regulations. He recalled recent advertisements that depicted young people contemplating suicide before becoming wealthy through gambling, illustrating the black market’s lack of ethics.
Groothuizen also revealed that some illegal operators had misused the KSA logo to conceal their unlicensed status. These companies even advertised on platforms like Google Maps, targeting vulnerable and self-excluded individuals. He expressed astonishment at the extent of their deceitful practices.
Groothuizen assured that the KSA would persist in its efforts to combat illegal gambling. However, he stressed the need for greater regulatory authority to make a significant impact. Currently, the KSA lacks the power to block unlicensed operators directly. Groothuizen argued that granting the regulator such powers would enhance its effectiveness and lead to meaningful changes in the industry.
Fortunately, the possibility of allowing the KSA to block operators will be discussed during the upcoming Remote Gambling Act review. This discussion has sparked optimism about the future of gambling regulation in the Netherlands.
While addressing the black market is crucial, Groothuizen also emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy legal market. He advocated for a balanced approach that ensures market sustainability while protecting consumers. Groothuizen committed to intensifying supervision of legal gaming operators to ensure compliance with Dutch regulations.
However, he opposed increasing the Netherlands’ gambling tax and banning gambling advertisements. Groothuizen argued that such measures would undermine the competitiveness of the legal market, potentially driving players towards illegal operators.
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