The launch of the Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen (Cruks) on 1 October, in conjunction with the opening of the regulated online gambling market, encountered technical difficulties. As a result, players in the country were unable to gamble with licensed operators. However, these issues were later resolved and consumers gained access to approved websites from 2 October, although some problems with Cruks persisted.
Fortunately, the remaining technical issues with Cruks were resolved by 4 October, allowing players to utilize the self-exclusion system. By registering with Cruks using DigiD, a Dutch identity management platform, consumers can choose to block themselves from accessing licensed gambling websites, as well as land-based arcades and casinos, for a minimum of six months.
The Remote Gambling Act (KOA), which was passed earlier this year, mandates that all licensed online gambling operators in the Netherlands integrate with Cruks. In addition, land-based gambling venues, under the regulations outlined in the KOA, were unaffected by the technical fault and continued to offer gambling services as normal.
