Dutch regulator sees gains in gambling data accuracy

The Netherlands Gambling Authority has reported measurable improvements in the quality of data submitted by licensed online gambling providers following a series of periodic inspections of Control Databases. These databases play a central role in regulatory supervision, as they allow authorities to monitor gambling activity in near real time.

Every online gambling license holder in the Netherlands must operate a dedicated Control Database, commonly referred to as a CDB. This system records detailed gaming data and remains directly accessible to the regulator and other relevant authorities. The framework exists to ensure that gambling activity in the country meets requirements for reliability, transparency, and player protection.

To maintain effective supervision, the regulator carries out recurring quality checks on these databases. During a review conducted in July this year, inspectors identified several weaknesses across multiple operators. A follow-up assessment in October found that all affected providers had addressed the issues raised, resulting in improved data accuracy and reliability.

Oversight built on real-time reporting

Under the Remote Gambling Act, each permit holder must capture game data in a near-real-time environment. Operators must keep their CDBs continuously available, correctly configured, and updated whenever technical systems or operational processes change. Any maintenance work or infrastructure updates must be communicated in advance, while modifications to games, platforms, or data structures must immediately reflect in the database.

The regulator requires CDBs to comply with the latest technical specifications and data models. The most recent update, version 1.11, came into force in December 2024 as part of the Responsible Gaming Policy 2024. Failure to implement or maintain these standards may trigger enforcement measures or a review of an operator’s licence.

According to the regulator, most providers responded constructively to the findings from the July inspection. Many demonstrated “significant progress” in aligning with current requirements, although “a few providers” were identified as needing further attention.

Findings reinforce compliance expectations

The regulator emphasised that periodic inspections contribute directly to better data quality across the sector. By identifying shortcomings and requiring corrective action, the authority aims to ensure that the information feeding into supervisory systems remains complete and dependable.

Accurate Control Databases also support broader regulatory objectives, including monitoring player behaviour, identifying potential risks, and assessing operator compliance. The regulator has made clear that up-to-date and verifiable data remains essential to fulfilling these responsibilities.

In a broader context, the importance of CDBs is expected to increase as the Netherlands prepares for revisions to the Remote Gambling Act scheduled for 2026. Control Database infrastructure will factor into upcoming decisions related to licence renewals, responsible gambling measures, and customer risk monitoring.

The regulator reiterated that strong data governance underpins its supervisory approach, describing robust and verifiable data as the “foundation of effective supervision.” As internal technology and data teams continue to grow, CDB oversight is likely to become an even more prominent element of the country’s regulatory framework.

With periodic checks now showing tangible results, the authority signalled that ongoing scrutiny will remain part of its strategy. Operators are expected to maintain improvements, address any new deficiencies quickly, and ensure that their systems remain compliant as technical standards evolve.

Source:

“Data quality of providers improved by periodic checks”, kansspelautoriteit.nl, December 10, 2025