The Dutch online gambling market has exhibited remarkable stability, as indicated by the monthly gross game results (BSR) hovering around €80 million ($78.6 million). Despite an increase in the number of license holders from 10 to 22, the BSR figures have not seen a proportional rise, presenting a nuanced perspective on the market dynamics.
Market Stability and License Holder Increase:
The authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), highlights the market’s stability, emphasizing that the increase in license holders did not directly correlate with an uptick in BSR. Monthly figures fluctuated between €90 million in January and €75 million in February and March. July reported a total of €86 million, suggesting a resilient and consistent market.
Player Accounts and Monthly Loss:
Determining the exact number of Dutch individuals engaged with legal gambling providers remains challenging due to the possibility of multiple player accounts. However, in July 2022, 563,000 accounts were active, with an average monthly loss per player account amounting to €153. This insight into player behavior provides valuable information for stakeholders and regulators.
Objective of the Remote Gambling Act:
The KSA underscores the primary goal of the Remote Gambling Act – to ensure that at least eight out of 10 players exclusively engage with legal providers within a safe environment, with a focus on addiction prevention. Encouragingly, the latest statistics reveal that 85% of online players adhere to this objective, fostering a favorable landscape for responsible gambling.
Central Register Exclusion of Chance Games (Cruks):
Coinciding with the launch of the legal online games of chance market on October 1, the Central Register Exclusion of Chance Games (Cruks) plays a pivotal role in preventing excessive gambling. Over 23,000 individuals are currently registered in Cruks, rendering them ineligible to participate in chance games for a minimum of six months. Providers are mandated to check Cruks registrations every time a player seeks to engage in a risky game of chance.
The Dutch online gambling market showcases resilience and adherence to regulatory objectives. The steady BSR figures, coupled with a substantial increase in license holders, highlight the effectiveness of regulatory measures. Player behavior insights and the widespread adoption of Cruks contribute to a positive narrative, demonstrating that responsible and legal gambling is gaining traction in the Netherlands. As the market continues to evolve, monitoring these key indicators will be essential for stakeholders and regulators alike.