Dutch regulator expands testing of self-exclusion scheme

KSA is inviting all interested operators to connect to the Cruks system from this week.

The Netherlands.- The national gaming regulator De Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is expanding testing of The Netherlands’ gambling self-exclusion system this week. 

All land-based and online operators and suppliers interested in participating can as of today connect to the Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen (Cruks), which will become obligatory next year. 

The system is being tested ahead of the implementation of the Netherlands’ new Remote Gambling Act on March 1.

Igaming operators that obtain online gambling licences will have to integrate with Cruks in time for when the online market opens on September 1.

A pilot version of the system was made available for land-based operators on July 13 and initial tests with a limited number of operators began last month.

The system requires operators to check whether a player has registered with Cruks before allowing them to signup to play on the operator’s products.

When a player registers with an online operator for the first time, or if the player wants to access a land-based casino, they enter their public service code (BSN) which leads to the generation of a Cruks code.

This code is then compared to the list of codes for self-excluded players and if it matches, the player must not be allowed to register or enter.

Last month, the KSA made public the standards that will be implemented for inspections under the Netherlands’ Remote Gambling Act. Prospective licensees must undergo inspections of systems by a recognised auditor in order to obtain a licence.