On Oct. 1, 2024, measures came into effect that make players more aware of their playing behavior. The goal is to protect players from the risks of online gambling. Among the measures are the responsible determination of a playing limit and the prescription of a mandatory contact moment between a player and the gaming provider when the player wants to increase the deposit limit. Completing the playing limit in a neutral environment, without pre-filled options or advertising, is also a new measure. All amounts must also be displayed in euros. The measures stem from the Regulation on Playing Limits and Conscious Gaming Behavior.
Since Oct. 1, measures for online gambling have gone into effect to make players more aware of their games. For example, as of now, new players are subject to a monthly deposit limit of a maximum of €350 for adults and of a maximum of €150 for young adults up to 24 years of age. If a player wants to set a higher limit, this can only be done after a mandatory personal contact from the player with the gaming provider. In this contact moment, the gaming provider is obliged to point out to the player the consequences and risks of setting a high playing limit and the risk of losing this amount. The provider is also obliged to draw the player's attention to the possibility of help and support and to the possibility of a gambling stop through the Cruks exclusion register. A player who had already set a playing limit above €350 (or €150 for young adults) before Oct. 1 will be notified by the gaming provider about this high limit, the risks involved and the help available. The mandatory contact moment breaks the player's anonymity and removes him or her from the intoxication of online gambling. Moreover, the contact moment causes the player to think extra about his or her playing behavior.
State Secretary Struycken: "We need to better protect players from the risks of online gambling. The measures that take effect October 1 can make a big difference. New rules around a gaming limit should make players more aware of their playing behavior and of the risks of loss. There will also be more requirements for gambling providers to warn players and fulfill their duty of care. This will reduce the risk of gambling addiction."
In addition to the measure of a play limit with a mandatory contact moment, more measures are going in that should make players more aware of their playing behavior before and during play. For example, a player must be able to determine the playing limit in a neutral environment, without pre-filled options or advertising. Also, providers are required to ask whether the player is willing to lose the set amount. Furthermore, all amounts must be displayed in euros, not tokens or chips. This way, the player is more aware of the amount he or she may lose. Gambling providers are required to point out to the player when a bet lower than the default amount entered can be chosen. In addition, providers must remind the player every 30 minutes via a pop-up about the duration of the playing session and the limits.
The Gambling Authority also allowed new measures to take effect on Oct. 1, 2024. It requires gaming providers to check whether the player can bear the financial consequences if they want to deposit more than €700 per month (or more than €300 for a young adult up to age 24) into their account. If at that point no contact can be made with the player, the gaming provider should restrict access to the player's account.
