The Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has issued a binding directive to Hillside New Media Malta Plc on 13 November 2025, citing inadequate responses to signals indicating players may no longer afford the financial consequences of their gambling behavior. The directive also addresses insufficient intervention measures when such signals were detected.
Hillside operates the bet365 brand in the Netherlands under a Dutch remote gambling license.
Duty of Care Requirements
Dutch gambling operators must actively protect players from excessive gambling and addiction through comprehensive duty of care obligations. A critical component involves monitoring player behavior and assessing whether gambling activity aligns with individual financial circumstances.
The regulatory framework establishes specific thresholds for net deposits per calendar month: €300 for young adults aged 18-23 years, and €700 for players aged 24 and older. When deposits exceed these limits, operators can conduct affordability assessments to establish appropriate deposit limits. If assessments aren't performed, operators must block further deposits for the remainder of that month.
Dutch Deposit Limits
The Netherlands has established specific monthly net deposit thresholds: €300 for players aged 18-23 years and €700 for those 24 and older. When these limits are exceeded, operators must either conduct proper affordability assessments or block further deposits for the remainder of that month.
Inadequate Assessment Methods
KSA's investigation revealed significant deficiencies in Hillside's duty of care implementation. Prior to March 2025, Hillside requested players complete questionnaires about their income levels. However, the KSA had already warned gambling providers in early 2025 that questionnaires are unsuitable for conducting proper affordability assessments.
The regulator also identified errors in how net deposit limits were calculated, potentially allowing players to deposit amounts exceeding what their financial situations could reasonably support.
Compliance Timeline and Consequences
Under the binding directive, Hillside must achieve full compliance within four weeks of the directive date. This requires implementing proper affordability assessment procedures as specified by the KSA, including adequate signal registration and analysis systems to identify when players may be experiencing financial stress from gambling activities.
The company must also establish appropriate intervention measures when such signals are detected.
Warning
Non-compliance with the directive could trigger escalated sanctions, including financial penalties or ultimately revocation of Hillside's license to offer remote gambling services in the Netherlands.
Compliance Best Practice
Operators should move beyond simple questionnaires for affordability assessments, as the KSA has warned these are insufficient. Implementing comprehensive signal registration and analysis systems that can identify financial stress indicators will help ensure regulatory compliance and genuine player protection.
Legal Challenge
Hillside has filed an objection against the binding directive, exercising its right to challenge the regulator's decision through available legal channels.
Regulatory Precedent
This enforcement action demonstrates the KSA's commitment to robust affordability controls as a cornerstone of player protection. The directive sets clear expectations for how operators must implement and maintain effective assessment systems, moving beyond superficial questionnaires toward comprehensive financial evaluations that genuinely protect vulnerable players from gambling-related harm.
According to Dutch Gaming Authority (KSA).
Legal Disclaimer
This content reflects a general overview of regulatory frameworks based on publicly available information. It does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. iGamingWriter.blog disclaims any liability arising from reliance on this material.
