Since the emergence of the internet, many industries and sectors have made the move to become fully digital. This has also happened to the online casino industry. The internet has opened up a new realm of gaming experiences. But where land based casinos can rely on a myriad of sensory stimulating parameters to enhance the gaming experience, online casinos are confined to boundaries of the digital world. What makes the mission of online casinos even more challenging is that legislation seems to become stricker by the day. In this article we will investigate the challenge that legislation poses to the User Experience (UX) of online casinos by zooming in on the case of the Dutch gaming industry.
What is Cruks and how does it impact the online casino market?
Online gambling has been legalised in the Netherlands since 2021. In accordance with the new legislation the Dutch government also launched the self-exclusion register named Cruks. Cruks stands for “Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen”. The purpose of this legislation, officially known as the Remote Gaming Act (Wet Kansspelen op Afstand), is to create a safe, reliable, and responsible gambling environment for players within the Netherlands. Players can register for the Cruks register if they feel that they don’t have their gambling habits under control. Players that are registered in Cruks will be excluded from all (online) casinos that are registered in the Netherlands.
Not all online casinos have chosen to join Cruks. This is because some casinos are located abroad and therefore do not have to comply directly with Dutch law. These foreign casinos without Cruks (‘casino zonder Cruks’ in Dutch) are not allowed by Dutch law to specifically target the Dutch market, for example by using the Dutch language or advertising to Dutch audiences.
Legislation surrounding online gambling varies greatly by country within Europe. While most European countries strive to provide a safe gambling environment, some of these legislations offer more flexibility for optimizing the user experience at online casinos. This may include more flexibility in the types of games that may be offered, how bonuses and promotions are deployed, and in some cases, less stringent requirements around player verification processes.
How does Cruks affect the user experience of online casinos?
The implementation of the new Dutch legislation has significant implications for the operation of online casinos and, consequently, for the user experience. The legislation provides protection, but at the same time brings restrictions. Some examples are:
Limited bonuses and promotions compared with gokken zonder Cruks
One of the most immediate consequences of the new legislation is the restriction on bonuses and promotions that casinos are allowed to offer. This was done to curb impulsive gambling behavior and reduce the risks of gambling addiction. For players, this means that they may encounter less attractive welcome bonuses or promotions, which used to have great appeal.
Restriction in payment methods
The legislation also leads to strict requirements on the payment methods that may be used, with the aim of preventing money laundering and ensuring the financial security of players. This may result in the elimination of certain fast or user-friendly payment options that players previously preferred.
Exclusion of certain game categories
To promote responsible gaming, certain games or forms of betting are forbidden in the Netherlands. Examples are; novelty bets, proposition betting, or games with a very high addiction factor..
Mandatory registration and verification
The law requires players to verify and register in order to play, which adds an extra step to the process of starting to play. This is intended to protect minors and vulnerable groups, but may be perceived as cumbersome by users accustomed to quick access to online casinos.
Casinos that do not join Cruks- in Dutch a casino zonder Cruks – and operate outside Dutch regulations have more freedom in offering their services.
Security versus user experience
The dilemma between security and user experience is a central issue within the online gambling industry, especially after the introduction of stricter regulations such as the Dutch legislation. This issue goes to the heart of how online casinos are designed and how they offer their services. They must strike a balance between providing a safe gaming environment and an engaging, seamless user experience.
For individuals prone to gambling addiction or already exhibiting problematic gambling behavior, safety is undeniably the top priority. Measures such as the ability to self-exclude through systems such as Cruks (in Dutch Cruks uitschrijven), limits on deposits, and time limits for play are essential to protect this group from the harmful effects of gambling.
On the other side there are casual gamblers, for whom gambling is a form of entertainment with no negative impact on their lives. This group mainly values the user experience, such as the diversity and quality of the games, the availability of bonuses and promotions, easy access, and the overall atmosphere of the online casino. For them, restrictions designed to ensure security are sometimes inconvenient, as they can limit or slow down the gaming experience. They are looking for an environment where they can navigate easily, with little to no obstacles to their gaming enjoyment.
This dilemma illustrates the challenge for online casinos and regulators to strike a balance that respects both the needs of vulnerable players and the desires of recreational players. The goal is to create an environment that is both safe and attractive, but this is easier said than done.
Can you just go play at a casino without Cruks?
Some players might perceive the new Dutch legislation, including the Cruks register, as too restrictive. As a result, some players may turn to online casinos without Cruks, mostly non-Dutch casinos (buitenlandse casinos in Dutch). While this is technically possible, it is important to emphasize that this is not the intent of the legislation. People who have excluded themselves through Cruks and still play at casinos without Cruks are not only denying national protections but also exposing themselves to increased risks.
Conclusion
This article has examined the impact of the Cruks-register and broader Dutch legislation on the online gambling industry, with a focus on the dilemmas between security and user experience, and the choice whether to play at casinos with and without Cruks registration (in Dutch: a casino zonder vergunning or an online casino zonder Cruks).
While casinos without Cruks offer certain freedoms and benefits, it is important to recognize that they also come with significant risks, especially for vulnerable players. The choice of casino, with or without Cruks, ultimately rests with the individual player. However, it is crucial that players are aware of the implications of their choice, especially with respect to their personal gambling behavior and the potential risks of gambling addiction.
For players who value safety, protection and a responsible gambling environment, Cruks-registered casinos provide an important safety net. For those who prefer a wider range and fewer restrictions, casinos without Cruks (also known as gokken zonder Cruks) may seem attractive, but it is important to exercise caution and remain aware of the greater risks of gambling problems and the absence of the protections offered by Dutch regulations.
Looking back to the question that started this article, it can be argued that legislation in a general sense does not necessarily affect the user experience positively. Looking at the long-term effects, legislation is imp
ortant to continue to provide future generations of online gamblers with a beautiful but responsible gaming experience.
Featured image credit: Pixabay
