Dutch evaluation deems KOA inconsistent on Duty of Care

An evaluation of the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) in the Netherlands has highlighted critical failings and gaps in legislation protecting consumers and vulnerable groups.

The House of Representatives has received the ‘WODC Report,’ conducted by the Research Agency for Justice and Security, which evaluates the Remote Gambling Act (KOA) – the legislative framework that launched the Dutch online gambling marketplace in October 2021.

The three-year evaluation determined ‘mixed outcomes’ for the policy objectives sought by KOA, which aimed “to create a responsible, reliable, and verifiable gambling offer and to direct players to this regulated offer”.

While the legislation has developed a reliable alternative to unlicensed options, the report deems that policies have failed to establish ‘responsible gambling environments.’ This shortfall is attributed to KOA not intending to drive demand for online gambling.

KOA is criticised for maintaining an ‘open mechanism’ that allows potentially unli..