KSA study flags concerns over Dutch online gambling risk analysis measures
Summary
The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has concluded that current risk-analysis systems used by licensed online gambling operators in the Netherlands are not delivering adequate or effective player protection. A study of practices during 2024–25 found methods such as Asterig and Gamgard show limits around reliability, validity and transparency. Many operators run analyses at game-category level rather than per individual game, leading to inconsistent and potentially misleading risk ratings. KSA says the work required to perform these analyses is significant for licence holders yet provides only limited additional protection for players.
Key Points
- KSA found risk-analysis systems used by Dutch online licence-holders are often “not functioning properly”.
- Main methods in use are Asterig and Gamgard; both have notable shortcomings (validity, transparency, limited criteria).
- Analyses are frequently done by game category rather than per game, which can understate risk for specific titles.
- Outcomes vary across licensees and consultants—even the same games get different risk scores.
- KSA flagged unclear independence and inconsistent expertise among external analysts.
- The regulator is discussing improvements with the Ministry of Justice and Security and aims for a uniform national system.
Context and relevance
The findings matter to operators, compliance teams and policymakers: risk-analysis is central to the Netherlands’ duty of care and to protecting players from harmful products. Inconsistent or weak assessments undermine regulatory goals and could prompt stricter guidance or enforcement. For product and risk teams, the study signals that current approaches may not be robust enough and that greater standardisation — or clearer regulatory requirements — is likely forthcoming.
Why should I read this?
Short version: if you work with licences, compliance, product design or harm-minimisation in Dutch online gambling, this is worth a read. KSA has basically said the current toolbox looks shaky, scores are inconsistent and the whole thing could get tightened up — quickly. We’ve cut the noise so you can see where you may need to act.