New Dutch justice secretary speaks on internet gambling

Dutch media reports this week indicate that the new State Justice and Security Secretary, Klaas Dijkhoff will continue to drive the licensing and regulation of online gambling in much the same way as his predecessor Fred Teeven, who resigned recently (see previous report).

Answering questions from members of the House of Representatives, Dijkhoff said he was committed to completing the regulation project previously driven by his predecessor, and supported the provisions in the proposed regulations regarding the protection of minors and vulnerable gamblers, responsible gaming and the exclusion of criminal elements.

Earlier this month Jan Suyver, the CEO of Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA),  revealed that more than 200 companies had expressed an interest in Dutch licensing, expressing the hope that the new licensing regime will be implemented this year as further delays could be counter-productive . Suyver estimated that a million Dutch online punters were active and needed the state’s protection as consumers.

He also commented that tax revenues were in prospect from the newly liberated Dutch online gambling industry.

In his responses to the parliamentary questions, Dijkhoff said that municipalities had powers under the act to impose fines, issue cease and desist orders and initiate prosecutions against illegal operators. He revealed that the Kansspelautoriteit has worked with 25 municipalities over the past year in detecting and shutting down illegal gambling in public bars, and that an education guide for municipalities has been issued by the regulator and state prosecutors.

Dijkhoff explained how the regulator and prosecutors work closely in other areas pertaining to gambling, and expressed his confidence in the practical capabilities of Kansspelautoriteit in enforcing Dutch gambling laws and eliminating illegal operators.

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