In the country, Dutch operators are prohibited from offering cashback bonuses to players. However, research conducted by the KSA has identified similar bonus offers that compensate players in other ways for their losses. During the research period, the KSA found three operators who were offering these types of bonuses. One operator was issued a formal warning for offering a cashback bonus, while the other two were contacted regarding their loss-based bonuses. The KSA has determined that these bonuses encourage players to take more risks, such as playing with higher stakes, as they know they will recoup some of their losses. As a result, the KSA has amended its regulations to prohibit any bonuses linked to gambling losses. The goal is to protect players and prevent gambling problems.
KSA launched an investigation after being alerted to violations of bonus rules and determined that these bonuses are covered by advertising laws and cannot encourage excessive gambling. In September, the Dutch regulator initiated a market-wide investigation and later ordered all Dutch iGaming licensees to stop offering cashback bonuses. This instruction was aimed at preventing problem gambling behavior.
In December, the Dutch minister for legal protection announced additional measures to protect players, including requiring providers to contact players who have set a deposit limit of €350 and informing them about the risks associated with gambling in high amounts. The government is also pushing for displaying financial amounts in euros and conducting further research on gaming limits.
