Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands gambling regulatory authority, has published its policy guidelines for ‘involuntary registration’ to CRUKS – Dutch gambling’s national self-exclusion scheme.
From 1 October, all KSA licensed online gambling operators are required to centralise their player databases with the CRUKS’ self-exclusion system as a legal requirement of the Netherlands new KOA Act regime regulating online gambling.
KSA policies on player voluntary or involuntary self-exclusion have been approved by Sander Dekker, Dutch Minister for Legal Protections, to provide oversight on the ‘most sensitive matter in regulating online gambling’.
The CRUKS system will allow for players to be registered by ‘direct player enrolment’ (voluntary), by gambling operator (voluntary/involuntary) and ‘family or close associate’ (involuntary).
“A family member or employer, but also a provider of games of chance can ask the Gaming Authority to register a player in Cruks, to prevent further personal financial or social damage,” read the KSA notice.
Direct player enrolments will be self-excluded immediately with players only needing to show their Dutch digital ‘DigiD’ identification or by registering a personal form – which is available to non-nationals seeking self-exclusion.
For operators registering a player to CRUKS, self-exclusion will be immediate but must be accompanied by an ‘intervention file’ providing details on all customer care engagements.
The player will be self-excluded from all licensed operators (online and land-based) as KSA undertakes its review – which can be contested by the customer.
For families and close associates (loved ones, workplaces, colleagues, etc), KSA explained that ‘a case-file’ will be required to be submitted to CRUKS, outlining player details and personal concerns related to the individuals gambling habits and risks that have been incurred.
The player will not be immediately self-excluded from gambling activities as KSA will require a ‘minimum six-week period’ to review third party involuntary cases.
KSA stated that family and close associate referrals will be disclosed to the individual, who will be offered a right to challenge concerns.
All CRUKS approved interventions (voluntary and involuntary) will carry a minimum six month cooling period (maximum 99 years) – with player details archived by KSA to inform public health services and licensed operators.
KSA concluded its policy update by warning operators of their regulatory duties in maintaining their player databases up to date in order for the Netherlands to operate the most effective player self-exclusion system.