René Jansen, chairman of Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) posted a blog last week addressing the delayed launch of the Dutch iGaming market and the criticisms regarding licensing.

From the post:

A problem with Cruks, the system that allows players to exclude themselves from participating in risky games of chance, meant that the first legal providers could not register players immediately on October 1, but a day later. In addition, players in the Netherlands were unfortunately only able to register in the Cruks register from Monday 4 October.

I am really sorry that it turned out this way and I am of course very aware of my administrative responsibility for these start-up problems. We have pulled out all the stops to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately we were not the only ones who suffered from a 'cold start'. Several providers also had the necessary start-up problems. For example, we receive signals from players that the customer service of some providers is not easily accessible and that the deposits are not always successful. As a supervisory authority, we explicitly keep a finger on the pulse in order to allow license holders to make adjustments if necessary.
Finally, there is another topic that stands out and that is the advertising of games of chance. This has always been a sensitive subject – rightly so. On the one hand, you don't want people to come into extensive contact with a risky service, but on the other hand, gambling is also a fact of life.

Recently, it has been reconfirmed that a very large number of Dutch people are already gambling online (illegally). You want to play at legal providers that meet all requirements in terms of preventing problem behavior and addiction. Through advertising you ensure that people end up there; in a safe environment.

But the line is thin, the Gaming Authority also recognizes that. If providers become too active and recruiting, and lose sight of moderation, that is not good and rightly so, leads to social resistance. It is therefore important that providers remain very aware of this, take their responsibility and act accordingly. Even if something is allowed, it does not always mean that you have to do it. It is also unwise to look for the edges of the legislation and regulations. Especially when it comes to targeting young people.
Read the entire piece here: https://kansspelautoriteit-nl.transl..._tr_pto=nui,sc