- Be licensed by the Kansspelautoriteit
- Partner up with problem gambling organisations
- Offer self-management tools
- Provide underage gambling protection
- Participate in the player exclusion register CRUKS
Responsible Gambling in the Netherlands – Online Tools, Tips & Support
For most people, online gambling is an entertaining pastime. However, gambling can become a problem for some. It is for this reason that everyone should learn to gamble safely and responsibly.
This guide will give you an overview of responsible gambling regulations in the Netherlands, plus we will share some practical guidelines on how to avoid problem gambling.
7 Things to Consider Before You Start Gambling in the Netherlands
- What does responsible gambling in the Netherlands mean? Responsible gambling is an initiative by gambling operators to educate their players about the harms of gambling addiction while providing access to resources for those affected by unhealthy gambling habits.
- How to be a responsible NL gambler? The simplest and most effective way to be a responsible gambler is to know when to stop. At the same time, you should never chase losses and avoid using gambling as a source of income.
- What problem gambling organisations are there for NL players? Dutch players don’t have to face problem gambling alone. The Netherlands has several organisations available for the treatment of gambling addiction, such as AGOG, Jellinek, Tactus, and Loket Kansspel.
- How to spot compulsive behaviour and addiction? Excessive gambling is often caused by emotional and financial stress. Common signs of harmful gambling habits include the desire to win back losses and gambling with increasing amounts of money.
- How can NL players self-exclude? The Netherlands has a central exclusion register called CRUKS. The system allows Dutch players to self-exclude from all forms of gambling for a minimum period of six months.
- Are there people who should avoid gambling? Gambling can stimulate the brain much like drugs and alcohol. Therefore, groups that should avoid gambling include minors, the mentally impaired, persons with a history of addiction, and those that are going through financial difficulties.
- How to recognise unreliable NL gambling sites? The easiest way to identify any unreliable gambling site is to check if the operator has a valid licence to accept wagers in the Netherlands. The licensing information is usually found in the footer of gambling websites.
NL Responsible Online Gambling Guidelines
To legally operate in the Netherlands, online gambling operators must have a valid licence from the Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit). Licenced operators typically go through a rigorous vetting process and must adhere to various responsible gambling regulations before they may accept wagers from players, including:
NL Responsible Gambling Casino Sites Must
Aside from the above responsible gambling regulations, operators in the Netherlands must actively prevent problem gambling by sufficiently informing players of the dangers associated with gambling addiction. It also means that operators must intervene where necessary to protect vulnerable groups and exclude them from online gambling activities.
Kansspelautoriteit – The Independent NL Gambling Regulator & Supervisor
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is an independent regulator that oversees all forms of gambling (casino games, lottery, and sports betting) in the Netherlands. The KSA was established in 2012 to enforce the Betting and Gaming Act on behalf of the Ministry of Legal Protection and has a two-member board of directors, of which René Jansen is the chairperson.
The Kansspelautoriteit’s main responsibility is to regulate the Dutch gambling market, which includes issuing licenses to gambling operators. To obtain a licence, operators must comply with strict laws and regulations. Other notable duties include addiction prevention by raising awareness of the risks associated with gambling. Furthermore, the KSA actively combats gambling-related match fixing and other crimes.
| Office Address | Hoftoren Rijnstraat 50 2515 XP The Hague Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Telephone Number | 070 302 13 00 |
| Official Website | kansspelautoriteit.nl |
| info@kansspelautoriteit.nl | |
| Main Tasks | Gambling Regulation & Supervision |
Groups of Players Banned from NL Online Casinos
Gambling is not for everyone. If truth be told, some people are more susceptible to the harms associated with gambling than others and, therefore, should avoid gambling altogether. Gambling can become an addiction, much like drugs and alcohol, and cause severe damage to your well-being. With that said, the following are people that should not gamble online:
- Minors: Gambling is illegal for minors and can be harmful to their development.
- Mentally Impaired: People with mental health problems have a higher risk of developing a gambling addiction.
- Substance Abusers: As with substance use, gambling can stimulate the same reward pathways in the brain and cause harmful behaviour.
- Unemployed: Using gambling as a source of income can lead to unhealthy spending and cause more financial stress.
Not all players develop an addiction to gambling, however. Many players avoid losing control by knowing when to take a break. But even if you are a responsible gambler, you should do so safely and only with regulated online gambling websites in the Netherlands. We share some tips on how to gamble safely in the next section.
Responsible Gambling Tips – How to Stay in Control?
Responsible gambling is about playing casino games in moderation. More specifically, it means to gamble in a sustainable way without causing harm to you or others. It may include setting limits for yourself to avoid spending too much time and money on gambling.
The important thing to remember is that anyone can develop an addiction to gambling, regardless of your socioeconomic status. The following paragraphs will highlight the most important Dutch responsible gambling practices to follow. These can drastically reduce your chances of losing control.
How to Keep Your Gambling Habits Healthy?
- Define Your Limits Before You Gamble It can be difficult for some to keep track of their money in the heat of the moment. Setting a budget in advance will help you avoid spending money you cannot afford to lose.
- Self-Manage Using Various Tools There are many responsible gambling tools that players can use to stay in control of their gambling. Deposit limits, wagering limits, and time session limits are all great ways to avoid developing gambling-related problems.
- Self-Exclude As a Last Resort Self-exclusion is a measure where players voluntarily request to be excluded from gambling activities. Self-exclusion is usually a last resort when other attempts to prevent compulsive gambling have failed.
Set Your Limits & Stop When You Hit Them
The easiest way to prevent gambling problems is by setting limits in advance. Strategies for responsible gambling include limiting the time and money you spend on gambling, while self-imposed loss limits will help you determine when to walk away. If you don’t, you could risk losing more money than your budget allows.
Therefore, managing your funds means only spending what you can afford to lose and sticking to it! On the other hand, if you do not set limits for yourself, you could end up making emotional decisions with adverse consequences – and turn gambling from an entertaining activity into an unhealthy compulsion.
Self-Manage Your Gambling Habits Using Tools
Dutch players can use various responsible gambling tools to keep track of their gambling. Many regulated online gambling operators in the Netherlands have these tools available, making it possible to manage how much time and money you spend while gambling. The following are the most common self-management tools you can try:
- Deposit Limit
- Loss Limit
- Bet Size Cap
- Time Limit
- Time Out
- Reality Check
These responsible gambling tools will help you build a healthy routine. For example, the deposit limit tool is a great way to avoid overspending and allows you to control how much money you can deposit into your account. You can also set a reality check for each gambling session to keep track of things like your time limit and loss limit.
Another excellent way to avoid gambling problems is by creating balance in your life. Gambling should never interfere with your work and other worthwhile activities, such as spending quality time with family and friends. You could also pursue a new hobby and explore other forms of entertainment.
Consider a Voluntary Gambling Ban
As a last resort, gamblers can register with the self-exclusion register, CRUKS (Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen). The system launched alongside the Netherlands’ regulated online gambling market in 2021 and includes information on all gamblers excluded from gambling in the country. Here is what you need to do if you are considering self-exclusion:
- Keep Your Gambling Habits Healthy: You can apply some of the responsible gambling tools we shared earlier to avoid things like overspending. Also, avoid the urge to gamble by partaking in other activities, such as exercise.
- Get in Touch with a Problem Gambling Organisation: You do not have to face your gambling problems alone. The Netherlands has several independent problem gambling organisations that provide counselling and treatment to those affected by the harms associated with gambling.
- Take a Break & Request a Time Out: If you can no longer control the urge to gamble, consider requesting a time out from your favourite gambling website. You can take a break from gambling for a minimum of 24 hours.
You can self-exclude for a minimum of six months by visiting the CRUKS website. You will need to create an account and provide information such as your citizen service number (BSN). Once you have registered an account and confirmed your decision, you will be banned from all forms of online and land-based gambling activities.
Furthermore, any family member or gambling operator can request exclusion on behalf of someone they believe has a gambling problem. In such instances, the Kansspelautoriteit will need to approve the application before the person is added to the register.
The Central Exclusion Register – CRUKS
The Central Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen (CRUKS) is the central self-exclusion register in the Netherlands. The register is maintained by the Kansspelautoriteit and allows players to self-exclude for a minimum period of six months up to a maximum period of five years. According to the Remote Gambling Act of 2021, all gambling operators must verify players through CRUKS before allowing them to gamble in the Netherlands.
This is achieved using PKI certificates, which gambling operators must check against the system each time a player chooses to play. Without PKI certificates, it would not be possible to check if a player is registered on CRUKS. The certificates are only valid for a limited time, meaning it is the responsibility of gambling operators to provide valid certificates.
| Office Address | Hoftoren Rijnstraat 50 2515 XP The Hague Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Telephone Number | 070 302 13 00 |
| Official Website | CRUKS |
| info@kansspelautoriteit.nl | |
| Main Tasks | Self-Exclusion Register |
NL Responsible Gambling Organisations
The Netherlands has several independent organisations that work towards educating Dutch citizens about the harms associated with gambling addiction. These organisations can assist compulsive gamblers and their loved ones by helping them regain control through counselling, treatment, and prevention programmes.
We will highlight the most notable responsible gambling organisations below and explain what they specialise in. If you are struggling with gambling-related problems, we recommend that you contact any of these organisations to start your journey to recovery.
| NL Responsible Gambling Support Organisations | ||
|---|---|---|
| AGOG | AGOG | https://www.agog.nl/ |
| Jellinek | Jellinek | https://www.jellinek.nl/ |
| Tactus | Tactus | https://www.tactus.nl/ |
| Loket Kansspel | Loket Kansspel | https://www.loketkansspel.nl/ |
Where to get help?
Independent organisations in the Netherlands for the prevention and treatment of gambling-related problems.
AGOG – Gambling Addiction Support Group
AGOG (Anonieme Gokkers Omgeving Gokkers) is a non-profit organisation that provides support groups for those affected by the harms of gambling addiction. The organisation has various locations across the Netherlands, where players with gambling problems can join self-help meetings and share their experiences in a safe, anonymous setting.
The meetings take place weekly, and AGOG requires all members to stop gambling immediately. Typically, the organisation will help members manage their finances to prevent them from gambling while receiving counselling. Separate support groups are available for family and friends who want to learn how to deal with someone’s gambling addiction.
| Office Address | Pieter Calandlaan 317 – 319 1068NH Amsterdam |
|---|---|
| Telephone Number | 020-4100517 |
| Official Website | AGOG |
| info@agog.nl | |
| Main Tasks | Gambling Help |
Jellinek – General Addiction Treatment Centre
Jellinek is a general addiction treatment centre in the Netherlands that provides a wide range of educational and treatment programmes for all forms of addiction, such as alcohol, drugs, and gambling. The organisation has over 100 years of experience, with centres in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Amersfoort, Hilversum, Amstelveen, and Almere.
Jellinek has both inpatient and outpatient treatment options, as well as an online self-help course for gamblers. Furthermore, they provide everything from general advice on how to practice responsible gaming to long-term clinical care for those with serious gambling addiction problems.
| Office Address | Jacob Obrechtstraat 92 1071 KR Amsterdam |
|---|---|
| Telephone Number | 088 – 505 1220 |
| Official Website | Jellinek |
| Website Contact Form | |
| Main Tasks | General Addiction Treatment |
Tactus – Addiction Treatment and Therapy
Tactus is another organisation that specialises in the treatment of substance and behavioural addictions. The facility has various treatment options for those exposed to the harms of gambling addiction, which include part-time and full-time clinical treatments. If you do not prefer face-to-face treatment, Tactus offers online sessions with trained counsellors and addiction specialists.
As well as the treatment of gambling addiction, Tactus offers mental care services for persons dealing with disorders such as depression and anxiety. Moreover, the treatment plans are tailored to your situation and will vary depending on the extent of your gambling addiction.
| Office Address | Cologne Street 3 7418 ET Deventer |
|---|---|
| Telephone Number | 088 382 28 87 |
| Official Website | Tactus |
| vragen@tactus.nl | |
| Main Tasks | Addiction and Mental Health Care |
Loket Kansspel – Problem Gambling Support and Advice
Loket Kansspel is a gambling support service that provides educational information related to gambling in the Netherlands. The organisation is operated by the Kansspelautoriteit and can help anyone that suffers from gambling addiction. Players who feel they are losing control can take the online questionnaire and contact a representative anonymously for guidance.
Loket Kansspel also has a community forum for those seeking advice and support. All topics are related to the management and prevention of gambling addiction. Dutch citizens can also visit the Loket Kansspel website for information on gambling regulations, responsible gambling practices, and emergency services in their area.
| Office Address | Pieter calandlaan 317-319 1068 NH Amsterdam |
|---|---|
| Telephone Number | 0800 24 000 22 |
| Official Website | Loket Kansspel |
| info@loketkansspel.nl | |
| Main Tasks | Problem Gambling Support Service |
Signs of Compulsive Gambling & How to Prevent It
The truth is that most gamblers know when to take a break. However, if you are concerned that you are at risk of becoming addicted to gambling, there are several steps you can take to prevent harm to your emotional and financial well-being. Reputable gambling operators also have various NL responsible gambling measurements in place to protect players.
On the other hand, unregulated gambling operators do not adhere to Dutch gambling laws and, therefore, have no incentive to protect players and should be avoided. Here are the main risks associated with unhealthy gambling habits and how to prevent them:
| Severity Index | Gambling Risk | How to avoid it? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Neglecting other interests & responsibilities. | Set a time limit so that you can take breaks between gambling sessions to focus on other activities. |
| 2. | Overspending and borrowing to gamble. | Set a budget in advance and stick to it, plus you should only gamble what you can afford to lose. |
| 3. | Chasing losses and gambling to earn money. | Decide beforehand how much you can afford to lose and set a loss limit, so you know when to walk away. |
| 4. | Keeping your gambling a secret. | You don’t have to face your gambling problems alone. Seek help and join a support group to regain control. |
| 5. | Experiencing extreme happiness when gambling. | Be mindful of your emotions. If you only feel happy when gambling, you should consider counselling to deal with any personal problems. |
| 6. | Feeling guilty and frustrated about gambling. | Feeling guilty can diminish your self-worth. Consider reaching out to a problem gambling organisation for support and guidance. |
| 7. | Accumulating debt and unpaid bills because of gambling. | You could set a deposit limit to avoid overspending. If that does not work, consider self-exclusion to avoid further financial difficulties. |
| 8. | Gambling to escape your problems. | Using gambling to cope with problems could lead to mental health issues. Try taking a break from gambling to reassess your situation. |
To protect gambling customers, Dutch regulators require all operators to provide players access to responsible gambling organisations where they can receive guidance and treatment for gambling addiction. Therefore, all regulated gambling websites must have a responsible gambling page where you can find resources and advice on how to gamble safely.
Dutch players who want to avoid the gambling risks mentioned above need to remember that gambling should never become more than an entertaining activity. This means that you should never gamble to make a profit and only spend what you can afford to lose.
Vulnerable Groups of NL Players
As mentioned previously, some players are more susceptible to the dangers of gambling. These players are at higher risk of developing compulsive gambling problems and should avoid gambling completely. Responsible online gambling is about knowing when to take regular breaks and understanding the symptoms associated with gambling addiction.
If you recognise yourself in any of the people listed below, we recommend that you refrain from gambling entirely:
- NL players with previous addictions
- Dutch nationals of poor socioeconomic status
- Gamblers with behaviour defined as risky
- Dutch young adults & underage users
- NL elders with declined memory and dementia
- Dutch players with problem behaviour
- NL citizens with intellectual disabilities
Protecting Underage Gamblers in the Netherlands
When you register an account with online gambling operators in the Netherlands, many will require you to provide your personal information and verify your age. Regulated gambling operators are mandated to prevent underage gambling and will often request the following information and documentation before you can start gambling:
- BSN (Citizen Service Number)
- First and family name
- PKI certificate
- Postal address
- Date of birth
- Bank details
- Chosen play limit
In some instances, gambling operators will request that you upload verification documents, such as a copy of your identity card or passport. The gambling operator will then review the documents, usually within 24 hours, before you will be allowed to deposit money into your account and gamble.
NL Online Casinos with No Responsible Gambling Policy
Responsible online gambling also means being mindful of untrustworthy websites. Unregulated websites have no statutory duty to protect players and should be avoided. No protection means no legal recourse if an operator refuses to pay customers. Therefore, you should learn how to recognise these gambling websites. Here are some of the common signs that a gambling website is untrustworthy:
- No Kansspelautoriteit licence
- Not included in CRUKS
- No partnerships with support organisations
- No RNG audits
- No SSL encryption
- False advertising
NL responsible gambling websites will try to reduce gambling-related harms by educating their players. So, look for a responsible gambling policy and check what measures the operator has in place to protect players. You should also read online reviews and check the terms and conditions to avoid unfair treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have come to the end of this responsible gambling guide. We trust that the information we shared will help you gamble safely. Remember, you do not have to suffer alone and can contact any of the organisations on this page for guidance. If you need a recap of how to gamble responsibly, then continue reading for some frequently asked questions:
1️⃣ What does responsible gambling in the Netherlands mean?
Responsible gambling refers to the policies and programmes to prevent and reduce the harms associated with gambling. The aim of these is to provide player protection through education by sharing information on how to avoid gambling addiction. We recommend checking out the responsible gambling guidelines for the Netherlands for more details.
2️⃣ What responsible gambling practices are there in the Netherlands?
Dutch players can use various responsible gambling practices to avoid developing gambling problems, which include setting limits and self-exclusion if you need to take a break. Check out our responsible gambling tips for tried and tested ways to gamble safely in the Netherlands.
3️⃣ What responsible gambling organisations are there in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has many independent organisations that work towards the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction. Players who are struggling with gambling problems can contact any of these for guidance and support. AGOG is one such example and has several treatment centres across the Netherlands.
4️⃣ What are the risks of problem gambling and addiction for NL players?
People who gamble compulsively risk developing several problems with dire consequences. For example, spending more money on gambling than you can afford may lead to debt and financial instability. Another common risk is chasing losses and using gambling as a source of income. Learn how to spot compulsive behaviour before your gambling spirals out of control.
5️⃣ How to spot unreliable NL online casinos with deceptive practices?
The quickest way to check if the online gambling website of your choice is trustworthy is to look for a valid license from the Kansspelautoriteit to operate in the Netherlands. Unreliable websites will also not have responsible gambling measures to protect players. You can find out how to spot untrustworthy gambling operators here.