René Jansen, Chair of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch Gambling Authority, has raised thought-provoking questions about the effectiveness of legal gambling markets in providing player protection. In a recent post, Jansen discusses the intricacies of player safety within regulated gambling markets.
The Dilemma: Player Protection in Legal Gambling Markets:
Jansen starts by posing a fundamental question: “Does it make sense to have a legal gambling market if players are not necessarily better protected there than if they gamble illegally?” This query underlines the critical balance that regulators must strike between legalizing gambling activities and ensuring robust player protection.
The Duty of Care Investigation:
This post comes in the wake of the KSA’s investigation into the duty of care exercised by operators and providers in the gambling industry. Jansen highlights the diverse range of conclusions drawn from the investigation.
Fragmented Interpretation of Duty of Care:
One significant finding was the fragmented interpretation of the duty of care, which has implications for player protection. Jansen points out that operators often struggle to monitor player behavior in real-time, leading to delayed intervention. This delay can result in financial harm to players, especially in the fast-paced world of gambling.
The Need for Swift Intervention:
Jansen emphasizes that providers must enhance their ability to identify and respond to problematic behavior promptly. The importance of quick intervention cannot be overstated, given the potential for rapid financial losses associated with gambling.
The Value of Legal Markets:
While acknowledging the challenges, Jansen reaffirms the value of legal gambling markets. He asserts that a legal framework provides a foundation for enforcing a duty of care that otherwise wouldn’t exist in illegal markets.
Striving for Higher Standards:
Jansen’s post acknowledges the efforts made by some providers to reduce gambling-related harm, such as implementing additional limits for young players. However, he advocates for raising standards across the industry, ensuring a more consistent and robust approach to player protection.
René Jansen’s insights shed light on the complex issue of player protection in legal gambling markets. Balancing the benefits of regulation with the imperative of safeguarding players remains a challenge, but it underscores the importance of continuous improvement in the industry to ensure a safer gambling environment.