Dutch Gambling Authority halts cash back bonuses

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The Gaming Authority (Ksa) has urged all licensed providers of online games of chance to stop providing bonuses in the form of cash back. The Ksa has warned the providers by letter that offering a bonus in this form is not permitted.

With cashback bonuses, players get back part of their losses. This contributes to taking more risks and lowers the threshold to gamble. For example, by playing with higher bets or by playing more often.

Bonuses are classified as advertising activity. According to the law, advertisements may not encourage immoderate gaming behavior. In the opinion of the Ksa, this is the case with cashback bonuses.

If online providers do not immediately stop providing cashback bonuses, they risk enforcement action by the Ksa.