KSA simplifies exclusion process for problem gamblers

The Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA) has simplified the process for administrators to register clients who have showcased problem gambling behaviour in Cruks, which prevents those registered from accessing online gambling, slot machines and retail casinos. 

“People who are under administration regularly face financial problems. These can be caused by gambling problems, or exacerbated by them,” the KSA said. 

“A registration in Cruks can therefore be helpful for this target group. However, administrators indicated that the existing process of forcibly registering a client in Cruks took a lot of time.”

Prior to the KSA modifying the exclusion process, administrators would have to provide examples of problematic gambling behaviour which has either caused damage to the client or their environment. 

As a result of the simplified process, “the professional opinion of the administrator is given more weight,” while fewer supporting documents are needed by the Dutch regulator. According to the KSA, administrators should now be able to register clients in Cruks within a two-week period. 

The KSA was hoping to prevent vulnerable groups from suffering financial damage or additional issues due to participating in games of chance, and expects the new process will allow administrators to intervene more quickly when problem gambling occurs. 

On 15 April, the KSA also unveiled its plans to fund five new projects aimed at preventing and reducing gambling-related harm in the Netherlands.

The funding will be provided through the regulator’s Addiction Prevention Fund and support safer gambling efforts such as peer support, psychiatric treatment guidance, youth prevention and services for relatives of people affected by gambling addiction.

KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen had previously brought forth concerns over how recent regulatory measures could be influencing consumer behaviour, including the creation of multiple accounts and migration to unlicensed operators.