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The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has voiced strong concerns about the effectiveness of risk analysis systems used by licensed online operators, warning that they are failing to provide players with adequate protection.
A newly published review of the tools and methods currently applied across the regulated Dutch online market found that the systems in place are inconsistent, outdated, and in many cases unreliable. The research, carried out between 2024 and 2025, examined whether the risk assessment methods actually help safeguard consumers from gambling-related harm, particularly when it comes to high-risk products such as online slots.
Duty of care under scrutiny
Operators in the Netherlands are legally required to assess the risk levels of their games and apply protective measures accordingly. However, the KSA concluded that these assessments often lack substance. While licensees invest significant time and money into carrying them out, the regulator found they provide little extra benefit to the end user.
The study noted that most operators rely on broad game category evaluations rather than examining each individual title. This approach may cause certain games to be classified as less risky than they truly are, leaving gaps in player protection.
Outdated methods and inconsistent results
The regulator highlighted that the two most widely used tools—Asterig and Gamgard—both have significant weaknesses. Asterig, first introduced more than a decade ago, provides consistent results but has been criticised for limited reliability and outdated scoring criteria. Gamgard, meanwhile, was described as little more than a preliminary screening tool with a lack of transparency and limited scope.
Notably, both systems were developed before the legalisation of online gambling in the Netherlands in 2021 and have not been meaningfully updated since. Despite academic warnings about their limitations, no new alternatives have emerged in the years since.
Another problem flagged was the lack of uniformity. Different operators, and even the same consultants working for multiple licensees, often produced varying outcomes for identical games. This variability makes it difficult to compare results across the market and raises doubts about whether the true risks of games are being accurately measured.
Questions of independence and expertise
The KSA also pointed to concerns over the independence and expertise of those carrying out these analyses. In many cases, external consultants were involved, but their qualifications and impartiality were not always clear. The regulator noted that 21 licensees used outside analysts while seven conducted the entire process internally.
Push for a unified system
Following the findings, the KSA has concluded that the current approach is insufficient. Discussions are already underway with the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security to explore improvements. The regulator has indicated its long-term goal is to establish a single, uniform method for assessing gambling risks—ensuring consistent and transparent results across all operators.
Source: igamingbusiness.com
