Responsible Gambling in the Netherlands – Best Practices for Dutch Gamblers

Responsible Online Gambling in the Netherlands – Summary

Since online gambling for the Dutch market became legal in early 2021, many widely respected and reputed operators applied for a Dutch gaming licence. Naturally, any online casino that has obtained a gaming permit and aims to continue its operation in the country must comply with the strict Dutch laws and responsible gambling guidelines. For example, every single NL casino must always refer to the excluded persons’ list; more on that in the following section.

NL Players that Are Not Permitted at Online Casinos

In October 2021, together with the opening of the country’s regulated online gambling market, the Dutch regulator de Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) introduced an exclusion system, also known as the Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen (CRUKs). The said system keeps track of all Dutch citizens that should not be permitted access to any physical or online gambling activities.

Players in the Netherlands can voluntarily exclude themselves from online gambling, retail slot machine arcades, and Holland Casino’s land-based facilities for a minimum of six months. In fact, more than 20, 000 local people have registered with the country’s self-exclusion system, shortly after it went live. Apart from the voluntary exclusions, some are enforced or recommended by the authorities. Let us check out the list below for more information.

Suppose a person has not self-excluded himself and does not have any public record of psychological disorders or gambling mischief. In that case, it is difficult for authorities to prevent the initial entrance into gambling. Therefore, Dutch and any other adults should always look after themselves and their loved ones and play only at licenced and safe operators. That said, anyone above the age of 24 is eligible to gamble in the Netherlands.

NL Responsible Gambling Behaviour – How to Gamble Online Responsibly?

Responsible gambling is a rather wide concept, but there are certain guidelines that each player in the NL should stick to. Adhering to the recommendations for responsible gambling in the Netherlands will protect Dutch players’ financial and mental health as well as help the development of healthy gambling habits.

That can seriously improve the NL players’ gaming sessions and drastically decrease the chances of developing a gambling addiction. The following paragraphs will take a closer look at the most important Dutch responsible gambling practices that should be implemented.

• Set a Budget
• Learn to Self-Manage
• Use Self-Exclusion

Set a Budget and Stick to It

The first rule of responsible online gambling in the Netherlands to prevent the development of gambling addiction is to set a budget and adhere to it. When gambling, some players stop after they have suffered a loss, while others use that as a reason to continue in an attempt to make up for the financial casualties.

Because of that potential behaviour, the responsible gambling in the NL organisations advise players to always keep to their budget without exceeding it. Moreover, players should be completely comfortable with losing the said amount, as spending “needed” money leads to financial and emotional problems.

Learn to Self-Manage Your Gambling

In most cases, nobody can judge you better than yourself, as you know the full extent of your decisions and rationalities. Of course, family members and friends can help prevent the development of gambling addiction, but it is truly up to the person to hold the reigns of their gambling behaviour. There are a few responsible gambling tools for NL players that can assist in keeping track of your gambling manoeuvres; let us look at the following list:

• Deposit Limit
• Time Limit
• Loss Limit
• Time Outs
• Bet Size Cap

Using each responsible gambling tool will assist players in building a reliable routine that keeps their gambling habits in check. Responsible gambling organisations in the Netherlands recommend players to always begin by setting deposit and time limits. Loss limits are also important, as players should be completely comfortable with losing the entirety of their gaming budget.

What is really dangerous is to enter into a losing streak or a downwards spiral. These occurrences are completely normal and can be experienced in many aspects of life; thus, organisations recommend players to regularly take breaks between different games, so they can clear their minds. Another great alternative is to get a gambling wingman, but that is only valid if you choose the right companion.

Register with the Dutch Self-Exclusion System

For those players that have tried implementing the previously mentioned responsible gambling tips for NL citizens and are still worried, there is yet another option. As a last resort, Dutch citizen can enter the self-exclusion system, the CRUKS. If you truly believe that this is the next step for you, here is what to do when considering self-exclusion:

As discussed earlier in the article about responsible gambling in the Netherlands, Dutch players can voluntarily exclude themselves from online and brick-and-mortar gambling for a minimum of six months. The period of self-restriction can go for a year or two or even be extended indefinitely.

Players can also be accepted involuntary due to the interference of a family member, a partner, or by request from a gambling operator. Naturally, the KSA has to approve the application before the player is enrolled on CRUKS.

Dutch Problem Gambling Organisations, Support Groups & Regulators

In the following sections of this article, we will introduce the Netherlands’ most notable responsible gambling organisations and licensors. Each of the mentioned entities has the required expertise and resources to help Dutch players with any gambling-related issues.

Kansspelautoriteit

The Kansspelautoriteit is an independent administrative body and the supervisor and regulator of gambling services in the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It was established on 1 April 2012 and is funded by the gambling industry through levies. The Kansspelautoriteit is an independent administrative body that implements Dutch responsible gambling policy by order of the Minister of Legal Protection.

Furthermore, the Kansspelautoriteit aims to ensure that gambling in the Netherlands is safe, fair, and follows the laws and regulations. Particularly speaking, the organisation protects consumers by regulating the gambling market. Eligible operators are granted gambling licences, proving that Dutch users can safely play there.

Another duty of the Kansspelautoriteit is to take responsible gambling actions in the Netherlands by promoting addiction prevention. That is done by supervising licence holders and undertaking public campaigns with them. Additionally, the Dutch organisation provides informational and educational content that is free to use. The aim is to introduce readers to the dangers of gambling and offer them solutions and help.

AGOG

The AGOG foundation is a Dutch responsible gambling organisation that offers help and support to people who experience problems with systematic gambling. It all began in 1981 when the first self-help group for gambling addicts was founded in Amsterdam with the English name “Anonymous Gamblers in the Netherlands”.

Later, in 1988, the first group for people from the vicinity of gambling addicts arose in Eindhoven, “the Omgeving Gokkers” (OG). From that point onwards, the movements for responsible gambling in the Netherlands gained momentum, and in 1991, a number of AG and OG groups from all around the country merged to establish the umbrella organisation Stichting AGOG Nederland.

Nowadays, AGOG is the largest self-help Dutch responsible gambling organisation for addicts and people who are related to such problematic gamblers. There are weekly self-help meetings of the AGOG departments for people with gambling addiction. They are used for people to share their experiences, gain knowledge on the subject, and support each other.

Jellinek

Modern addiction care in the Netherlands can be traced back to the arrival of the first addiction clinics, Hoog-Hullen in 1891 and the Amsterdam Consultation Office for Alcoholism (the predecessor of Jellinek) in 1909. However, the turnaround in addiction care was caused by the insights of the American doctor Elvin Morton Jellinek, who presented alcoholism as a disease that can be treated.

Elvin Jellinek’s entrance to the Dutch medical scene led to the first alcohol clinic of the name Jellinek. With time, the clinic grew and founded new facilities across the country. They increased their operations by also taking care of other types of addicts, including heroin and other substance users. Eventually, gamblers, Internet, and gaming addicts also began to be treated by the responsible gambling of the Netherlands organisation.

Nowadays, after many years of addiction care experience, Jellinek has become the best-known addiction institution in the Netherlands. The Dutch responsible gambling organisation offers high-quality care and research. It supports addicts in every possible stage of their journey, starting with prevention, treatment, and cooperation while showing deep respect for everyone who shows an effort to fight.

CRUKS

As stated earlier in our article, CRUKS stands for Central Register Exclusion of Games of Chance, a national register that keeps data on players with gambling problems. The register is under the umbrella of the Dutch gambling authority Kansspelautoriteit, and both organisations are working together in their battle against gambling addiction.

According to Dutch law, online and land-based casinos must keep track of the gaming behaviour of players. In case there is suspicion that certain players’ behaviour and gambling habits are problematic, the operator reports straight to the gaming authority.

Subsequently, CRUKS lists the recorded player into their register, and offers help. The NL responsible online gambling organisation offers a self-exclusion from any Internet and land-based gambling establishment. Additionally, the organisation presents gambling addicts with plenty of resources to assist them in gathering more knowledge on the matter of gambling problems, effective measures, and recovery.

Loket Kansspel

Loket Kansspel is a responsible online gambling of the Netherlands organisation that serves as a central support point in the field of gambling problems. They offer help and guidance as well as the option to refer Dutch players to receive further assistance from experts in their living area. The Loket Kansspel platform harbours plenty of helpful educational materials on gambling addiction and how to prevent or battle it.

Additionally, the website offers visitors the option to directly get in touch with a Loket Kansspel representative and talk about their gambling or other addiction issues. The Dutch responsible gambling organisation has created a community talk platform where different people can freely share their past and current struggles and experiences with addiction.

Tactus

Tactus is a responsible gambling in the NL organisation that focuses on the strength and possibilities of people, who struggle with any addiction, including gambling. The organisation has a large team of experts working in research and with patients suffering from gambling, gaming, sex, food, and other addictions.

What truly makes Tactus to stand out from other movements is that it offers a wide range of treatment options and is all about building responsible gambling trust with Dutch players. Players can reach out to Tactus experts online, appoint a meeting on location, or find a suitable combination between the first two. Regular individual and group meetings are also held, so players can share their experiences and ask for advice.

Tactus goes a step further by offering modern experimental methods of treatment. In fact, the responsible gambling of the Netherlands organisation has more than 20 facilities all over the country. They offer services such as outpatient treatment, meddling, protected living, forensic addiction care, usage space, youth services, alcohol consumption assistance, medical care, prevention, probation, work and daytime activities, and many more.

Gambling Addiction Prevention in the Netherlands

After going over the leading responsible gambling organisations in the Netherlands, it is time for us to slightly shift the focus of the article and look at the dangers that gambling without control holds. In most cases, excessive gambling leads to addiction and must not be taken lightly.

If the problematic behaviour is left unchecked, it might lead to some serious consequences for the player and their family. Here are the main risks associated with unhealthy and irresponsible gaming behaviour:

Severity	Risk	What Can NL Players Do to Prevent It?	Guidelines by Kansspelautoriteit
1	Developing Gambling Addiction	Set gambling limits, and budgets and take regular breaks from gambling. If that does not help, register at CRUKS’ self-exclusion program.
2	Developing Depression	If a Dutch player begins to develop depression, he/she should talk with family and friends and reach out to a responsible gambling organisation.
3	Ruining Your Reputation	If a player’s gambling habits have ruined their reputation with family, friends, and colleagues, the person should consider getting professional help.
4	Losing Your Job	When a player loses their job due to gambling or any other addiction, he/she should focus on resolving their issues before applying for a new position.
5	Going Bankrupt	Going bankrupt is a serious issue for any player. If that happens, they should look for professional help and the support of their family and friends.
6	Going into Debt	Sometimes, going into debt is not optional and is an effect of gambling addiction behaviour. The best course of action is to seek professional assistance.
7	Breaking the Law	Some addicts might consider breaking the law in a variety of ways, but that will definitely not improve the situation in the long term; instead, look for professional help.

We know that this topic is not necessarily a light one, but there are a few more important things we would like to point out. Some people suffering from gambling addiction participate in illegal games or play on unlicenced websites. The second quite common with underage gamblers.

Not only is this behaviour dangerous, but in some cases, players break Dutch and even international laws. To avoid the consequences of breaking the gambling law, NL players should follow the responsible gambling guidelines.

Vulnerable Groups – Dutch Players Who Should Avoid Gambling

Many people are allured by the image of the successful gambling player, but they often forget that history remembers the victors while the losers and the suffering are scattered in the sands of time. In other words, gambling carries significant risk and while many attempts and dreams of a professional gambling career, only a handful succeed.

Once again, we would like to stress the fact that responsible gambling in the Netherlands must be taken seriously. If you recognise yourself as one of the listed people below, we advise you to reconsider your decision to become a gambler:

• Underage Dutch Citizens
• Dutch Gamblers with a History of Problem Gambling Behaviour
• People with Financial Issues & Problems
• People with Obsessive Behaviour & Tendencies
• People with Cognitive Problems or Disabilities

Without a doubt, the most vulnerable is definitely the underage gamblers’ group. Even though young players do not have the same financial freedom as adults, developing such behaviour at an early age is quite dangerous. Even if the youngling dodges law enforcement, sooner or later, they will become an adult and be able to spend his salary on gambling or even withdraw credits.

Underage Gambling Prevention – Verification at Registration Required

A thorough KYC and age verification process is the best way to battle underage gambling. If the government is involved in regulating the available operators and prevents access to any illegal gambling sites, the only option for players would be to gamble at licenced websites. That means that if any person intends to play online, they must present the following documents upon signing up:

• BSN (Citizen Service Number)
• PKI certificate
• First and last name
• Address details
• Email address
• Date of birth
• Bank details
• Your play limit

As long as you are an adult and you are not on the CRUKS self-exclusion list, you will be eligible to open an account at an online casino available in the Netherlands. However, to play, you must verify your account. To do that, you must provide personal information such as first and last name, bank details, BSN, PKI certificate, and others. Oftentimes, licenced operators will require you to send them a photocopy of your ID.

Dutch Gambling Sites with No Responsible Gambling Policy

It is a known fact that the Dutch government is heavily involved in managing and regulating the online gambling market. Nevertheless, there is still a slight chance for an illegal gambling site to appear, even for a brief moment. Some players use VPN applications to access operators, otherwise unavailable in the Netherlands.

We would advise Dutch players to be mindful when using VPN or simply entering il regulated gambling websites, as that could do them more harm than good. For example, the games might be rigged, the house edge might be unfair, or the admins might simply steal your sensitive data. Anyhow, the following list will outline some reasons why a website might be considered bad in terms of Dutch responsible gambling.

• The Dutch gambling site is not licenced by Kansspelautoriteit
• The operator does not offer self-exclusion options
• The operator is not partnered with NL responsible gambling organisations
• The site’s game outcomes & RTP haven’t been audited independently
• The website & data have not been properly secured and encrypted
• The casino promotes and/or encourages excessive gambling

As you see, there are plenty of red flags, which might serve to the advantage of those who know how to recognise them. But, even if you happen to miss some of them, you can simply rely on checking if Kansspelautoriteit licences the Dutch gambling site. For example, if you search for any of the top NL roulette sites, you will quickly find their licences and gambling permits.

FAQ

We did our best to provide you with all the essential information regarding responsible gambling in Netherlands organisations. To clarify any uncertainties and queries, we have gathered some of the most frequently asked questions and answered them for you.