A player can access Cruks through the DigiD system, an online ID that allows Dutch residents to access online services and government websites in the Netherlands.
To register, players need to provide their public service number (BSN), surname, and date of birth.
If the player is not a Dutch citizen, they must provide details of foreign identity documents like a passport.
If a player doesn’t have access via DigiD, only employees of the regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), can register them.
When a player registers with an online operator for the first time or wants to enter a land-based casino, they enter their BSN, which generates a Cruks code.
This code is compared to the list of codes for self-excluded players, and if there’s a match, the player is not allowed to register or enter.
The operator saves the player’s Cruks code but deletes their BSN.
When a player logs in or enters a land-based casino again, the Cruks code is checked against the list.
Cruks also generates aggregated metrics to create reviews of its success, mainly about the number of queries and excluded players; it doesn’t include data about players’ gaming habits.
The Dutch government stated to the European Commission that these rules align with European law as they are non-discriminatory and apply to all licensees, regardless of the channel.
Furthermore, they are necessary to limit problem gambling and are not overly restrictive.
The technical specifications and application of the rules are common in the industry and across European jurisdictions, following open and internationally accepted standards where possible.
Cruks will take effect with the Netherlands’ Remote Gambling Act, currently scheduled for 1 March 2021.
Initially, the law was set to take effect in July 2020 but was delayed until 1 January 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In related news, the KSA will closely regulate one-off lotteries, ensuring at least 40% of funds go to a cause in the public interest.
The KSA will enforce lottery regulations on these draws to prevent compliance breaches by third-party operators.
Previously, organizing associations or foundations would outsource the entire lottery organization, leading to difficulties in determining fairness and verifying if funds were allocated appropriately.
Under the new rules, license-holders must obtain a written agreement for outsourcing lottery operations to a third party, and the KSA may take action in cases of risky outsourcing structures.
