Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has announced details of a new licence for the operation of skill machines in the country.
At present, the only Dutch licence for gaming machines applies to terminals in arcades and hospitality venues, as well as skill machines.
Now, a limited number of new licences will be made available to allow holders to exclusively run skill machines. KSA said this will make it easier for operators that only offer machines to apply for a licence.
KSA defines a skill machine as a terminal that offers games where progression depends on the player’s skill. Such machines should not pay out prizes that are anything other than additional or longer games. Examples of a skill machine include pinball machines where players can win extra balls by scoring more points.
The regulator explained further that any slot machine that is not a skill machine is automatically classed as a gambling machine.
Shorter review for skill machines licence
KSA said on Monday it would publish more information about the application procedure in the coming weeks. However, any companies interested in applying can make a submission immediately.
The new licences will likely have a shorter review process than others, making it easier for operators to begin running machines.
“With this limited operating licence, we’re meeting a need from the gaming machine market,” KSA said.
“Operators that only operate skill machines have indicated that they would like a separate licence, separate from the provision of gaming machines.
“This limited operating licence can have a shorter substantive review process and therefore be issued more quickly.”
Slot machines set for reform
Confirmation of the new licence comes amid possible changes to slot machine rules in the Netherlands. Earlier in October, Arno Rutte, secretary of state for legal protection, said that he will use recommendations from new research to shape new policies on land-based slots.
Rutte referenced five research reports on gambling, including the KSA’s recent piece on the impact of tax increases. The last of these, published in late September, set out a series of proposed changes to regulation on slots.
The report focused on player protection issues facing slots. It pointed out that many regulations related to land-based slots have not been updated since 2000. Areas of focus included user preferences for utilising cash to play and mixed feedback on new ID measures.
The new Dutch licences will only allow holders to run skill machines in the country.