3 lessons the KSA can learn from other online gambling regulators

The future is bright for online casino enthusiasts in the Netherlands. As the new Dutch regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (or KSA) prepares to kick start online operations in 2020, there are many lessons to be learned. 

Naturally, there are requirements for online casinos to join the Kansspelautoriteit. But there is still time for the regulator to learn from others in the industry and make changes. 
 

It stands to reason that learning lessons from existing regulators means that the KSA could create an environment that caters for all.
 

Requirements for joining the KSA 

While the KSA works on refining legislation and studies other regulators, they’ve released the requirements needed by online casinos to operate in the Netherlands. 

Requirements include a €45,000 application fee and identity documents. There is also a 24-month cooling off period that will apply to online operators. 

If the company in question has operated in the online casino market within the last 2 years, they will have to wait an additional 2 years from the day they stop operating in the Dutch market. 

It may seem to be a strict policy, but the KSA is already working to protect those in the industry. 
 

Lessons to be learned from other regulators 

The Kansspelautoriteit has a tall task before it. As the new regulator on the block with a potential market just waiting to flourish, many are expecting the best from the KSA. 

Keeping in mind the ups and downs experienced by the MGA, UKGC, and the Spelinspektionen, here are a few lessons that could change how the KSA operates. 

Be unique – The MGA is known as being one of the best casino regulators in the world. It’s carved a place for itself as the regulator which welcomes Blockchain users with open arms. More than that, it also provides great tax rates for companies registered in Malta and with the MGA. This drives even more business to the island and draws customers to MGA casinos.  

If the KSA wishes to make a name for itself as a top regulator, it must find its own way of offering a unique experience to casinos who register with them from the very start of their journey. 

Communication is key – After an embarrassing and sudden turn saw Global Gaming lose its license in Sweden at the start of 2019, there was much uproar. Not due to the loss of license but because of the lack of communication from the Spelinspektionen. Having sent an email only minutes before making the decision public, it left a bad taste in the mouth of many operators. 

It’s imperative that the KSA learns to communicate openly and honestly with all of their operators. Using that communication to their advantage could mean the difference between a flourishing relationship with operators or being a national embarrassment.  

Customer interaction – The UKGC has recently made an effort to up their communication game too, but not in the same way as the Spelinspektionen. Instead, the Gambling Commission has focused on the communication between operators and their players. This is another important lesson for the KSA as this communication keeps players safe and allows operators to function more efficiently. 

It remains to be seen whether or not the KSA will create the perfect environment for operators, suppliers, and players once they officially open their licensing process in July 2020.