Dutch regulator issues warnings to two operators over player protection failures

(PRESS RELEASE) -- The Gaming Authority (KSA) has issued an instruction to two online games of chance providers for violating the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act, the Wwft.

Research by the KSA showed that the providers in question insufficiently monitor the gaming behavior of the players. According to the Wwft, you must.

Research
The Ksa conducted a market - wide preliminary study in the spring . As a result of this, further investigations were started at 2 license holders. Player data was requested and examined. Players, including young adults, were able to lose and deposit tens of thousands of euros in a short period of time, without the providers taking any action or investigating. Such an investigation should, for example, focus on whether a player can afford such amounts or on the origin of the money.

Among other things, the Ksa found that a 21-year-old lost 17,000 euros between October and December 2021, a 26-year-old lost almost 114,000 euros in November 2021, a 23-year-old lost 87,000 euros between October 2021 and March 2022, and a 29-year-old lost year-old in 2 weeks 27 thousand euros.

Unusual behavior
Gambling providers must monitor the behavior of their customers and take action if there is unusual behaviour. Examples of this are when a player suddenly deposits large amounts or if there is a suspicion of match fixing. Such incidents must be reported to the Financial Intelligence Unit Netherlands (FIU). In its Wwft Guidelines , the KSA previously pointed out the risk of high deposits, even when these originate from the player's bank account. The Ksa is very concerned that gambling addicts commit criminal activities in order to continue gambling.

Continuation
Within three months after the designation, the providers of games of chance must have tightened up the monitoring of gaming behaviour. At the beginning of next year, the KSA will check whether they have done so.