Since the opening of the Dutch online gambling market, there’s been a lot of talk about CRUKS. CRUKS is a crucial part of the new Dutch Remote Gambling (Koa) law. Land-based and online casinos use it to protect players against the dangers of gambling addiction. You’ll find out how it works and how you can register below.
What is CRUKS?
CRUKS stands for Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen (Central Register Exclusion Gambling). Every legal Dutch casino is connected to it. They must check every player who registers or logs in with them for a CRUKS listing.
If a player is registered, they should not be admitted. This applies to casinos, gaming halls, and other gambling providers with a KSA license.
CRUKS Registration: How does it work?
There are two possible ways you can be registered with CRUKS:
- The player requests voluntary registration.
- Involuntary registration by a third party.
The latter option is interesting, as it happens without consent. That doesn’t happen just like that.
Voluntary Registration
If you notice that you no longer control your gambling or can no longer play responsibly, you can impose a gambling stop by registering yourself in CRUKS. With a Dutch gambling license, you can no longer gamble at land-based or online casinos.
The minimum number of months you can voluntarily exclude yourself is 6 months. You choose your maximum exclusion period, which can last up to 99 years.
Involuntary Registration by a third party
If you (financially) suffer from someone else’s gambling behavior, you can ask the Ksa to register that person in CRUKS. As an applicant, you must demonstrate your suffering from the other person’s gambling behavior. You must also be aware that this request is not anonymous. The Ksa will disclose the applicant’s name to the player.
An online casino provider can also register someone involuntarily. If preventive measures are insufficient, they must report this to the KSA. Based on the report, a case is built up, and can be decided to register the player in question. The Ksa can reject any request for CRUKS registration by a third party. In case of approval, the player can object. The entire involuntary registration process takes about 6 weeks.
If involuntary registration is initiated, it lasts a maximum of 6 months. After 6 months, the self-exclusion automatically expires, and the player can gamble online again or visit a land-based casino.
CRUKS Registration
The easiest and fastest way to register with CRUKS is via your DigiD. A registration via DigiD is immediately active. Moreover, you can also check via your DigiD how long you are still excluded.
- CRUKS Website – Go to https://cruksregister.nl/ and click “Gokstop need” at the top of the screen.
- DigiD login – Log in with DigiD in the way you prefer. Your details have already been filled in for you.
- Choose the exclusion period – Choose how long you want to be excluded. You can choose from 6 or 9 months, 1 year, 2 years, or a self-chosen time longer than 2 years.
- Check your details – If all details are 100% correct, can you block yourself properly?
If you don’t have a DigiD, you can register traditionally: by filling out a form and sending it by post. This method takes a little longer before your exclusion is active. You will also receive a confirmation of your exclusion by mail. Registration in CRUKS is based on your BSN (Dutch citizen service number). Therefore, it’s compulsory to provide this when you create an account with one of the Dutch online casinos.
In addition, the Ksa (Netherlands Gambling Authority) requires the following information from you:
- Name, date of birth, and address details.
- Start and end date of registration.
- If there is no BSN, then name, date of birth, and place of birth are recorded.
Using this information, a so-called CRUKS code is generated. Your provided data is encrypted and linked to your casino account. From then on, every time you log into that online casino, only the code is needed to check whether you are excluded. Each provider will create a CRUKS code for you once.
Can I omzeilen CRUKS (bypass)?
Once you are registered in CRUKS, it is not possible to Cruks omzeilen (bypass it). You are excluded from online gambling at all Dutch casinos for at least 6 months. Don’t be tempted by operators who let you sign up despite your exclusion. They don’t have a Dutch gambling license and are not connected to CRUKS. For several reasons, online gambling at a casino without a license is a bad idea. Firstly, you are registered in CRUKS for a reason. You need a gambling stop, and by gambling at an illegal casino, you can still get into financial trouble. Moreover, online gambling at an illegal casino is punishable in our country. You can receive a fine of up to €8,700 and even a criminal record if the court convicts you.
Do I have to unsubscribe from CRUKS?
No, when your requested exclusion period ends, you don’t need to do anything to be able to play again. Your CRUKS registration will be automatically deleted. You can also extend your exclusion if necessary. You do this in the same way as registration, i.e., via DigiD or the form.
Is it possible to unsubscribe earlier?
You must remain registered for at least 6 months. Even if you regret your CRUKS registration or registered by accident, you can do nothing. Legally, it is not allowed to terminate your CRUKS registration before a minimum of 6 months.
Have you requested a gambling stop for more than 6 months? Then you may unsubscribe earlier after those 6 months. Before the deregistration is processed, there is an 8-day reflection period during which you can’t gamble. You can potentially reverse your deregistration during these 8 days.
Gamble responsibly
CRUKS is an excellent tool to ensure that you always gamble responsibly. However, in some cases, it may not be enough. If you need more help, various reliable agencies can assist, such as the Loket Kansspel.
