As of October 1, 2024, Dutch online gamblers are subject to a new set of stringent deposit rules to promote responsible gambling. The measures are part of the Netherlands’ ongoing efforts to ensure player protection, particularly focusing on deposit limits and encouraging self-awareness among players about their gambling behavior.

The newly introduced rules include strict thresholds on monthly deposits, particularly limiting the net deposit amounts players can make. For adults, the limit is set at €700 per calendar month, while for young adults aged 18 to 25, this threshold is significantly lower at €300. Once a player reaches these limits, they are temporarily barred from making further deposits until the start of the next calendar month. These automatic resets aim to prevent overspending and reduce gambling-related risks.

New Rules on Setting Personal Deposit Limits

In addition to the mandatory deposit thresholds, the new regulations require that players set personal deposit limits when registering with an online casino. If a player attempts to set a limit higher than €350 per month (or €150 for young adults), they must engage in a mandatory contact moment with the operator. This interaction, conducted via phone or chat, serves to inform players about the risks of excessive gambling and to direct them to available resources for support, such as the national self-exclusion system, Crucks.

Players who exceed their deposit limits will also encounter pop-up notifications that provide real-time feedback on their gambling behavior. These messages, appearing every 30 minutes during gameplay, remind them how long they have been playing and indicate when they are halfway to their pre-set limit. The regulations are designed to raise awareness of responsible gaming practices and promote safer gambling experiences for all users.

For those who wish to increase their deposit limits beyond the established threshold, proof of financial stability is required. Players can share income statements with operators to verify their ability to manage higher spending limits, with a general guideline being that players can deposit up to 30% of their net income. However, this is not a mandatory process—players can wait until the start of the next month to reset their limits.

Industry Response and Impact on Operators

The Dutch gambling trade association, VNLOK, has voiced its support for the new measures, emphasizing their role in ensuring a safer gambling environment. “VNLOK members have already taken extra-legal measures to provide additional protection for players,” said VNLOK chair Helma Lodders, pointing to previous efforts such as the Online Gambling Advertising Code and stricter limits for young adults. According to Lodders, these measures align with VNLOK’s goal of maintaining a responsible and regulated market.

However, concerns have been raised by industry experts regarding the potential financial strain these regulations might place on operators. Gambling lawyer Alan Littler warned that the increased operational costs associated with implementing these rules, alongside the anticipated decline in consumer spending, could make it more challenging for companies to do business in the Dutch market.

Adding to this, the Dutch government has approved a series of tax hikes for gambling operators, with the gambling tax rate set to rise from 30.5% to 34.2% in 2025 and reaching 37.3% by January 2026. This additional financial burden, combined with tighter regulations, has raised fears that some players may turn to illegal gambling sites that do not adhere to such strict guidelines. VNLOK also acknowledged this concern, with Lodders stating, “Well-intentioned measures can thus have a counterproductive effect,” pointing out that over-regulation may lead to the unintended consequence of driving consumers to unlicensed platforms.

Future Regulatory Changes on the Horizon

Looking ahead, the current Dutch Remote Gambling Act is undergoing an evaluation by the country’s gaming regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), which is expected to conclude by the end of October. This review will assess the effectiveness of the existing laws and could lead to further amendments. Depending on the findings, additional regulatory changes may be introduced, raising concerns about their implications for both operators and players.

Meanwhile, several companies in the Netherlands gambling sector are developing solutions to help operators comply with these new rules. For example, I-Finance Services has introduced an Affordability Check tool to verify players’ income data, and Bluem launched its Budget Check system, which allows for income verification without giving casinos full access to players’ financial accounts. Trustly has also announced plans for a KYC solution to assist online casinos in adhering to the new regulations.

Source:
VNLOK, vnlok.nl, October 1, 2024.

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