How do gambling companies operate?
1. Gambling companies always win
Gambling games are designed in such a way the gambling company always wins in the long run. The player often loses.
2. Bonuses are never free
Gambling companies often give bonuses, such as free spins or extra playing money. They do this to make you gamble more. You have to gamble a lot before you actually receive the bonus. This causes you to spend more money than you intended. Pay attention to the terms and conditions!
3. You cannot become good at gambling
Some gambling games give you the feeling that you’re making choices, such as stopping or pressing a button. The outcome is fixed or random. So you don’t have any influence.
4. Winning seems close
Many gambling games are designed to make it look like you almost won. This makes you think you’re close to a real win, causing you to play longer. Remember: almost winning is still losing.
5. You lose track of time and money
Casinos often don’t have clocks or windows. Online, you play without breaks. This makes you forget how much time and money you’ve already lost.
6. Gambling feels like a game
Gambling companies use rewards, points and levels. This makes it look like an innocent computer game, making it easier to continue gambling.
7. Odds are unclear
Gambling companies rarely tell you how small your chances of winning are. They mainly show how fun and exciting it is and what you could win.
8. Gambling companies track your behaviour
Online gambling sites track how you gamble. After that, they will send you special offers to encourage you to return.
9. Practice is pointless
You can often practice games for free, but in that version you win more often than in real life. Gambling companies try to make you think you have a chance of winning.
10. Chasing losses doesn't work
Many people who gamble continue because they think they can win back their losses. Gambling companies strengthen this feeling by showing you what you almost won. They may also give you a small win after a big loss. Winning back losses almost never works. The longer you play, the more money you lose. Stop in time!
Personal data
Is a gambling company allowed to verify my identity?
Gambling companies must verify your identity before you can play. Online gambling companies and Holland Casino are required to make and keep a copy of your ID document. This is mandated by the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act (Wwft). They must keep the copy for five years after you cease being a customer.
Gaming halls work differently. There, you must show your ID, but they are not allowed to make or keep a copy. They only check if you are old enough.
All gambling companies – online, Holland Casino, and gaming halls – have to check whether you are listed in the Cruks register. To do this, they need your citizen service number (BSN). You may not cross out or make your BSN illegible when submitting a copy. The gambling company is obliged to redact your BSN later from the copy they keep.
Can a gambling company ask for my income or bank statements?
In some cases, a gambling company may request information about your income or bank statements. This is also related to the Wwft and their duty of care to prevent addiction. If you frequently deposit or bet large amounts, or if your gambling behaviour doesn’t match a normal income, the company may ask for proof. This allows them to verify that your gambling money comes from a legal source and that there is no money laundering involved. The company may also review your financial situation to assess whether gambling is responsible for you.
Not every player needs to show this information. It usually happens with unusual transfers and higher amounts. You are not obligated to share the information, but if you refuse, the gambling company may restrict or close your account. Otherwise, they cannot fulfill their legal obligations.