In the Netherlands, the Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has uncovered manipulative practices among all licensed iGaming operators.
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) commissioned a study on psychological manipulations used on licensed online casino websites. From September 2024 to February 2025, the company Behavioural Insights Nederland examined 21 iGaming operators and 35 different games from providers, revealing the systematic use of techniques designed to push players to spend more time and money than they originally intended.
The iGN editorial team highlights the following manipulative practices:
- Pre-set high deposit and bet amounts
- Bonuses only available with deposits above the minimum threshold
- Concealment of information about minimum deposit amounts
- Showcasing only large player wins
- Short-deadline tournaments to create psychological pressure
- Requiring play on different slots to clear bonus wagering
- Aggressive email and push promotions
- Live dealers used to build emotional attachment
- Making account deletion as difficult as possible
- A single checkbox for agreeing to multiple terms and conditions
- Pre-ticked boxes for subscription to promotional mailings
- Autospins (illegal)
- Minimum withdrawal thresholds (illegal)
- Blocking withdrawals while a bonus is active (illegal)
- Increased frequency of “near-miss” situations when balance is low
- Displaying other players’ wins during a player’s losses
Researchers also warned about “invisible” manipulations hidden in game algorithms, which can only be detected through broader data analysis. The KSA is launching inspections of operators and preparing stricter regulations, though the names of violators have not been disclosed.
