Dutch KOA licensed online gambling operators have been ordered to adopt the new safer gambling tagline of – “What does gambling cost you? Stop on time. +18”. 

Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Netherlands gambling regulator, has informed licensed betting firms that the tagline must be visible across all websites, advertising and marketing campaigns as of 1 April 2022 (the deadline for enforcement).  

The tagline was approved by Dutch Minister for Legal Protections Sander Dekker, who informed the Kamer’s House of Representatives last November that a new warning message would be adopted as a safer gambling duty of the KOA remote gambling act that formally launched on 1 October.

“What does gambling cost you? Stop on time. +18” will replace Dutch gambling existing safer gambling tagline of “Play consciously. +18,” the KSA informed.

“Our new warning message follows from the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) and is mainly aimed at preventing gambling problems such as gambling addiction.”

The KOA regime’s new safer gambling message was chosen in collaboration with the Trimbos Institute, a Dutch public health body monitoring mental health, addiction and well-being.

Licensed operators must display the tagline by 1 April 2022, a key date for the KOA regime as KSA is expected to reveal the Dutch market’s next tranche of approved licensees.

October’s launch of the KOA regime saw only 10 operators qualify for online gambling licenses, as KSA stated that the majority of applicants had failed to meet the regulator’s pre-licensing ‘cooling-off’ commands.  

Kindred Group, Entain, Betsson and Leo Vegas AB were amongst the high-profile firms to be denied KOA licences.  Each operator has chosen to end all Dutch market activities as they await for their KOA approvals to be delivered.     

“KSA will monitor whether the providers comply with the laws and regulations with regard to the new warning phrase, including the latest implementation date of 1 April 2022.” – KSA detailed in its concluding statement.