Kansspelautoriteit Introduces Age Verification Rule

Netherlands gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has added age verification as a priority criterion in the approach to online gambling. With effect from January 1, 2020, age verification will be a must for online gambling operators.

“The range of illegal online games of chance is huge. KSA makes choices in combating this, with the protection of Dutch consumers as the guiding principle. The criteria of age verification is now added to the criteria that the KSA uses for this. Preventing minors from taking part in gambling is an important priority of the KSA,” the regulator said.

Failure to verify age before the registration process has been completed also has consequences in the longer term. This violation is negatively taken into account at a later stage if an online gambling license is applied for in the context of the Remote Gambling Act.

“The statement by the participant to be of age is not enough. It must be clear to players how their age is being verified. KSA emphasises that offering games of chance without a license is prohibited. Satisfying the age verification requirement does not mean that the KSA will refrain from enforcement, or that a future permit application will be considered positive,” KSA added.