The Dutch gaming industry is "outdated" and must be reviewed, especially to take into account the legalising of online gambling, says the Netherlands Gaming Authority in its annual report for 2017.
The report, issued on March 22, calls "urgently" for a remote gaming act, a bill for which is currently in the Dutch Senate, legalising online gaming under strict controls.
The authority complains that the current gaming regulations in the country date back to 1964 and as it stands allows the authority insufficient resources to combat illegal gaming, especially online. “Most countries in Europe have legalised online games of chance. The Netherlands is one of the few that has not yet done so. If a remote gaming act is a fact it would be necessary to approach the authority for a licence to operate online gaming.
“This makes it possible to regulate the market. The Dutch gambler can then safely and reliably take part in online gambling and illegal operations can be tackled.”
It asks for an "addiction fund" and central register for problem gamblers. The authority notes that a bill to privatise Holland Casinos is also in the Senate.
In his foreword to the annual report, chairman Jan Suyver (pictured) complains that without an updated law, trying to administer gambling - especially online - in the Netherlands, is like "mopping with the tap open."
