SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The Netherlands gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), will appoint an operator for its problem gambling helpline after launching its tender process.
The service will offer gamblers access to treatment, advice and support via a website, chat service, email and telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Under the Netherlands’ Remote Gaming Act, the KSA was tasked with running the service, however its development has been outsourced.
The problem gambling helpline will be directly sponsored by the KSA funding body with funds secured from the Gaming Act social responsibility levy.
The helpline, according to the KSA, must be operational from 1 April,l ahead of when punters will be permitted to gamble in the Netherlands.
During an initial consultation conducted in February, seven providers submitted applications to help with the development of the helpline. However, interested parties have until September to apply.
The regulated Dutch betting market is due to open up on 1 July 2021, which is six months later than its original date of 1 January. It has been suggested that due to the ongoing disruption caused by the global pandemic, this date could be pushed back further, however, this is yet to be confirmed by the KSA.
