The Netherlands’ gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has raised alarms over the way some operators are handling affordability checks for players surpassing deposit limits. Since October, Dutch gambling platforms are required to verify whether players can afford to exceed the imposed deposit thresholds—€700 per month for most players and €300 for young adults aged 18 to 25.
However, recent investigations conducted by the KSA have exposed significant shortcomings in these assessments. Some operators are failing to conduct proper financial evaluations, potentially exposing players to financial risks. The regulator has now issued warnings and urged companies to improve their practices to better safeguard consumers.
Inadequate Proof of Income Leads to Overestimated Financial Capacity
One of the major flaws in affordability checks is the type of documents operators accept as proof of income. Some companies rely on income statements rather than official pay slips to determine a player’s financial capacity. 
The problem with income statements is that they often display gross earnings, not accounting for deductions such as taxes, pension contributions, and other expenses. This can lead to an overestimation of disposable income, allowing players to set deposit limits that may not be financially sustainable.
The KSA emphasizes that only official pay slips, bank statements, or similar verified financial records should be used in affordability assessments. The regulator warns that relying on incomplete or misleading income data compromises player protection and contradicts the responsible gambling policies mandated by Dutch law.
Questionable Income Sources Raise Red Flags
Another significant issue flagged by the KSA is that some operators consider income sources that should not be factored into affordability assessments.
Among these are borrowed money, tax benefits, financial contributions from family members or partners, and reimbursements from business expenses. Additionally, transactions such as transfers from savings accounts, refunds from large purchases, and inheritance money have been used by some players to justify increasing their deposit limits.
The KSA has made it clear that affordability checks should be based only on regular and stable sources of personal income. Allowing players to use temporary or unreliable sources to justify higher gambling limits undermines the entire purpose of responsible gambling measures.
Operators Allowing Excessive Deposits Despite Set Limits
Despite clear regulations, the KSA has found instances where operators allow players to continue depositing money even after they have exceeded their established monthly limits.
This practice goes against the core intent of deposit limits, which are meant to prevent financial harm and excessive gambling. The KSA is now closely monitoring companies that fail to enforce these restrictions and has stated that further regulatory actions may follow if improvements are not made.
To comply with regulations, operators must immediately block deposits beyond the preset limits unless a thorough affordability assessment has been conducted and approved. This measure ensures that players are not spending beyond their means, reducing the risk of gambling-related harm.
Positive Practices from Responsible Operators
While some operators have been found lacking, the KSA has also highlighted commendable affordability check practices adopted by certain companies.
For instance, some platforms do not allow young adults (18-25) to increase their deposit limits, even if they claim financial stability. This is a proactive measure to protect younger players, who are generally more vulnerable to gambling-related risks.
Other operators offer additional options such as setting daily and weekly deposit limits, allowing players to have greater control over their spending habits. These responsible gambling tools are considered best practices, and the KSA encourages all operators to implement similar measures.
Industry Urged to Strengthen Responsible Gambling Measures
The findings from the KSA’s investigation highlight the urgent need for gambling operators to strengthen their responsible gambling frameworks. Ensuring accurate affordability checks and enforcing deposit limits strictly are essential steps to maintaining a safe and fair gambling environment.
The Dutch regulator has made it clear that companies failing to comply with affordability assessment requirements could face further scrutiny and potential regulatory action. Operators are now expected to improve their processes, ensuring that all financial evaluations are conducted accurately and transparently.
With gambling-related harm becoming an increasing concern, these measures aim to strike a balance between player enjoyment and financial safety. The KSA’s ongoing oversight will likely play a key role in shaping the future of responsible gambling policies in the Netherlands.
