Dutch Regulator Launches Tender Process for National Problem Gambling Helpline

Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch gambling regulator, has launched a tender process seeking to appoint a provider to operate a new national problem gambling helpline.

The new service will provide treatment, advice and support to players and their relatives, via a website, chat service, email and over the phone. A new problem gambling funding body, which will also be established under the Act, will bankroll the service, with support from a levy to be paid by licensees.

The tender states that the service would need to be operational from April 1, ahead of when consumers would be legally allowed to gamble online in the Netherlands.

The projected go-live date for the regulated Dutch market is 1 July 2021. This may be subject to further delays, with the KSA refusing to rule out a later start date following the disruption caused by COVID-19.

Interested parties would need to submit their bid by September 1 this year, though providers are able to request further information until July 16.