René Jansen, Chair of Kansspelautoriteit, has enhanced the calls for international regulatory cooperation, in addition to reflecting on four key trends emanating from Europe’s online gambling space.
Reflecting on a recent gathering of the Gambling Regulators European Forum, which took place earlier this month in Bergen, Norway, and united 90 representatives from 30 countries, Jansen utilised an opening speech to highlight common themes witnessed across the continent.
Inking his latest blog for the Authority following the GREF assembly, he noted that these represent “trends that I see despite the fact that the European map shows a patchwork of different types of legislation and regulation. After all, there is no Europe-wide legal framework for games of chance.”
As the continental gathering discussed supervision, challenges and knowledge sharing, Jansen first highlighted a “clear movement” for enhanced player protections and prevention of excessive behaviour.
In addition, a reduction in gambling advertising and sponsorship was cited, with the Netherlands set to implement a ban on untargeted ads from next month, as well as the importance of “firm enforcement”.
“Not only from traditional illegal online gambling providers, but also – still a bit early – illegal offers via platforms such as Facebook,” he said.
Last, but certainly not least, Jansen addressed a theme that he suggested “is not very often discussed publicly,” with that being the impacts of new technological and market developments.
“NFTs, P2E, cryptos and other (to me) exotic topics come up,” he continued.
“Now something for a small group of specialists, but possibly important topics for the (near) future. We must keep looking ahead; the rapid development of AI technology demonstrates this once again.”
Following the Nordic meet-up, Jansen also utilised his latest post to reiterate calls regarding the power of corporation, noting that “working together reduces the workload”.
In addition to adding that “alone you are a drop, together we are an ocean,” the Ksa Chair hailed collaboration as “hugely important” within the online gaming realm.
“Online games of chance do not stop at the border and different rules apply to each regulated market, even though the providers are often the same,” he added.
“That is why it is necessary for regulators of games of chance to be in constant dialogue with each other and to learn from each other.”
This latest edition of GREF saw Jansen end a two-year term as Chair, with Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, head of French regulator ANJ, taking the reins.
“I found it fun, useful and instructive over the past few years. I wish Isabelle and the new GREF board incredible success,” he concluded.
“Of course, this does not mean that the Gaming Authority is turning its back on this international partnership: it is far too valuable for that.
“The Netherlands continues to contribute fully to the international discussion about (the supervision of) games of chance.
“The cooperation, knowledge exchange and extensive discussions are necessary in the dynamic world of games of chance, which sometimes seems to know no boundaries.”
