Dutch regulator to introduce new licences for skill-based gaming machines

The new licence category is intended to make licensing easier for operators who want to operate only skill-based gaming machines in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands.- The Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has announced plans to offer the option of applying for a new category of gaming licence. It will start to offer designated skill-based machine licences. 

At the moment, there is only one type of operating licence for gaming machines, which applies to both gaming machines in halls and catering establishments and skill machines. The new licences will be limited to the operation of skill-based machines only, rather than slot machines based on random number generators or other products where the outcome is based on luck. 

Faster licence reviews

The regulator said the new, more limited licence category is intended to make it easier for operators who only operate skill-based machines to apply for a licence in recognition of the lower association with gambling harm. Since the review process for skill-based games is shorter, the regulator expects to be able to issue the new licences more quickly. This addresses a frequent request for operators for a faster licensing process.

“With this limited operating licence, the KSA is meeting a need in the gaming machine market,” The regulator said. “Operators with only skill-based machines have indicated they would like a separate licence, separate from the offering of gaming machines. This limited operating licence can have a shorter substantive review process and therefore be issued more quickly.”

The KSA defined a skill-based machine as a slot machine that does not award prizes except for extra or longer games and where the course of the game depends entirely or almost entirely on the skill of the player. It cited pinball machines as a classic example, noting that players can win extra balls.

Any slot machine that isn’t a skill machine is automatically a chance machine, it stressed.The regulator said it would soon provide more information about the application procedure for the new limited operating licence for skill machines. Interested potential licensees can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

https://focusgn.com/dutch-regulator-to-introduce-new-skill-based-gaming-machine-licences