Alleging that the companies mislead players and encourage urge gambling, Dutch consumer groups are demanding compensation from major online casinos. The leading consumer organization in the country, Consumentenbond, focuses on protecting consumer rights. A foundation representing consumers in legal claims, Stichting Consumenten Competition Claims, has also been active. Both have identified Holland Casino, TOTO, Unibet, Betcity, Bet365, and Jacks as engaging in illegal practices. The groups warned they will go to court if the casinos do not comply.
According to the consumer groups, casinos usually give players insufficient or unclear information about games and bonuses. Research by the Consumentenbond also found that some casinos set unfair default settings and extreme betting limits. This pushes consumers to gamble irresponsibly high amounts. The organizations also criticized restricted bonus systems, such as offers presented as free when they are not. They further condemned aggressive and misleading advertising.
Chairman of Stichting Consumenten Competition Claims, Bert Heikens, said that consumers should be able to rely on a safe gaming environment. Simply put, that was the intention behind legalizing online gambling in the Netherlands. That is clearly not happening now. Consumers are being left to the wolves.
Consumentenbond’s director, Sandra Molenaar, said that online casinos are trying to get as much money from consumers as possible. That is not only irresponsible, but also completely illegal. Consumers have the right to receive compensation for these illegal practices. They are going to fight for them to get it.
ANP reported that the casinos responded defensively yet expressed willingness to engage in dialogue.
TOTO rejected the claims, stating that they provide clear information to players about game and bonus conditions. They emphasized that bonus winnings are immediately available to players. TOTO complies with strict legal requirements for online gambling operators and goes further to protect players, including lower limits for ages 18 to 24 and restrictions on playing with credit cards.
