KSA Wants Gambling Machines Removed From Family Arcades

Netherlands gaming regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is supporting a plan to remove gambling machines from family arcades in the near future.

The Netherlands has a series of family arcades that feature air hockey, pinball, VR machines, and regular arcade machines. The gambling machines in question do not specifically award money, but they do award prizes based solely on chance, and are not allowed to be used by minors. Unfortunately, it's often difficult to ensure that children aren't using the machines. To combat this, major arcade operators like Family Entertainment Centers Nederland (FEC Nederland) are committing to not buying new games of chance and will phase them out over the next 10 years.

It should be noted that games with an element of skill will not be impacted by the decision.

Commenting on the matter a KSA spokesperson said, "The legislator, who made this law in 1964, envisioned vending machines at traveling fairs and in amusement and holiday parks. The risk of developing gambling addiction in places where people stay for a short time was considered small.

"The exception means that no model permission (inspection) and operating permit are required for fairground machines. The disadvantage of this is that proper supervision is not possible."