Difference Between Cruks and Gokstop: Complete Explanation, How It Works, and Registration

Cruks is the Central Register for Exclusion of Games of Chance (Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen), the database of the Kansspelautoriteit. A Gokstop is the active exclusion measure that you set up via this register. With one registration, you immediately block access to all legal online casinos and gaming halls in the Netherlands for a minimum of six months. This system prevents players from easily switching providers to bypass a block.

The fundamental distinction: Register versus Measure

The explanation of the difference between Cruks and Gokstop starts with the core function: Cruks is the central database, while a Gokstop is the actual exclusion measure that you activate via that register. The Kansspelautoriteit manages this infrastructure to combat gambling addiction. Once you register, the system blocks access to all legal providers such as Holland Casino and BetCity. This separation between technology and action is essential for responsible gaming within the framework of the Remote Gambling Act.

What exactly does Cruks mean?

Cruks stands for Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen and acts as the technical backbone of the Dutch prevention policy. This register is not just a list, but a government-established database managed by the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa). The legislator has laid down in the Remote Gambling Act that a central system must be established to effectively exclude players who wish to protect themselves.

Cruks itself does not take action, but provides data. Operators of games of chance are obliged to consult this database before granting access. This ensures a uniform block across the entire legal offering, from online platforms to physical venues.

Is a Gokstop the same as Cruks?

No, a Gokstop is not the same as Cruks. A Gokstop is the exclusion measure that you activate by registering in the Cruks register. Many players use the terms interchangeably, but there is a clear causal relationship: Cruks is the means, the Gokstop is the result. When you decide to set up a Gokstop, you use the Cruks infrastructure to deny yourself access to games of chance.

This action has immediate consequences. As soon as the registration is processed, you are not allowed to gamble with providers with a Dutch license for at least six months. It is therefore the conscious choice of the player that changes the status in the register. Without this active registration in Cruks, there is no national Gokstop.

Why is this separation important?

The distinction helps users understand that Cruks is the infrastructure that combats gambling addiction through central exclusion, while the Gokstop is the personal protection measure. By knowing that Cruks is a closed system, players understand better how their privacy is guaranteed: casinos only receive a 'yes/no' signal, not medical details.

This separation is crucial for the effectiveness of the Remote Gambling Act. It ensures that a player cannot simply switch providers to bypass the block. Whether you play at Fair Play Casino or an online platform, the link with Cruks guarantees that the Gokstop is respected everywhere. This central character makes it a powerful tool against problem gambling behaviour, unlike local exclusions which are easy to bypass.

How does registration and exclusion work in practice?

In the implementation of the difference between Cruks and Gokstop, you can see that Cruks is the central register, while a Gokstop activates the actual block. Players choose between voluntary registration via DigiD for immediate effect, or a paper application with a delay. The minimum exclusion period is six months, and involuntary registration by third parties is possible. An important new element in this process is the introduction of a cooling-off period when lifting the stop, which combats impulsive behavior.

Registering via DigiD or form

DigiD does not only serve as a login method, but forms the technical basis for unique identification in Cruks. The most efficient method for voluntary registration is via DigiD. Because DigiD links to your BSN, your details are immediately verified and the exclusion is immediately active in the system. This prevents you from still being able to play in the meantime, a risk that does exist with the alternative route. Those who do not have a DigiD can print, fill out, and send a paper form to the Kansspelautoriteit. This method has a processing time of several days, meaning the protection does not take effect immediately.

How long does a Gokstop last at minimum?

Once registered, the decision cannot be easily reversed. The minimum exclusion duration is legally set at six months. During this period, it is impossible to terminate the registration, even in the event of regret or accidental registration. After these six months, the block does not stop automatically. You must actively submit a request for removal. This is where the concept of a cooling-off period comes into play: when cancelling a Gokstop, a waiting period of 8 days follows before the removal becomes final. This break is designed to prevent players from giving up their protection in a weak moment.

Can someone else exclude me?

Yes, registration is not exclusive to the player themselves. Via involuntary registration, gaming operators or third-party stakeholders can request an exclusion from the Kansspelautoriteit. This happens, for example, if a provider observes worrying playing behavior. In such a case, you will receive a notification and have the opportunity to object. This mechanism ensures that the Cruks ecosystem relies not only on self-regulation, but also on external signaling by professionals in the sector.

Scope: Where does the Gokstop apply and where not?

The scope of the difference between Cruks and Gokstop shows that registration in the Central Register for Exclusion of Games of Chance blocks access to all legal providers in the Netherlands, while local measures remain limited to a single venue. This national coverage is crucial for effective protection against addiction.

Which casinos are connected to Cruks?

Every provider with a Dutch license is obligatorily connected to the Cruks Register. This includes big names such as Holland Casino for land-based venues and BetCity for online betting. Fair Play Casino also checks with every login attempt whether a player is in this register. Without this central link, a player could easily switch platforms, which undermines the functioning of the gokstop. The Kansspelautoriteit monitors this mandatory integration for all license holders.

What is the difference with the White List?

The White List acts as a local entry ban, specific to one location such as a particular Fair Play Casino branch. Unlike the Cruks Register, which applies nationally, the White List does not exclude a player from other operators such as Holland Casino or BetCity. This local variant often has a preventive character and a shorter validity period, while Cruks applies a minimum period of six months for all channels.

Does Cruks also apply to foreign sites?

No, the Cruks Register only blocks providers with a Dutch license. Players trying to gamble at illegal, foreign sites fall outside this protection network. These sites are not supervised by the Kansspelautoriteit, which entails major risks for payouts and data security. Bypassing Cruks via this route is not only risky, but also punishable.

Consequences for your account, balance and privacy

In this phase, the explanation of the difference between Cruks and Gokstop revolves around the practical impact on your finances and privacy. Once your registration is active, the system blocks access to legal providers, but this does not mean your funds are lost. The Cruks code acts as an anonymous key: casinos only receive a 'hit' or 'no-hit' signal, without access to personal or medical files, in accordance with strict GDPR guidelines.

What happens to my casino balance?

You can no longer play, but payouts of remaining balance are usually still possible according to the general terms and conditions. Legal operators must maintain your access to your account details for administrative processing. It is wise to contact customer service directly to have outstanding bonuses or pending withdrawals paid out. Remember that AGOG (Anonieme Gokkers Om Gokkers) often advises creating financial clarity as a first step in recovery, which makes these payouts essential.

Does the casino see my medical data?

No, the system uses a Cruks code and only passes on a 'hit/no-hit', in compliance with GDPR and privacy legislation. The Kansspelautoriteit generates this code based on your BSN, but the database itself is not public. Casinos therefore do not see why you are excluded, nor do they have access to medical files from care providers such as Spoor6. This technical separation ensures that your privacy remains intact while the gambling block is effectively enforced. Spoor6 emphasizes that this anonymity lowers barriers for people who hesitate to seek help for fear of stigmatization.

Where can I find help for gambling problems?

Organizations such as AGOG, Spoor6, OpenOverGokken and LoketKansspel offer professional help and advice for addiction problems. LoketKansspel functions as an independent complaints desk and information point, while Spoor6 is specialized in treating gambling addiction. OpenOverGokken offers low-threshold support and peer contact. LoketKansspel can also assist with questions about the execution of the gokstop itself. Engaging LoketKansspel, OpenOverGokken or Spoor6 is a crucial step alongside the technical block, because a Cruks registration only closes access but does not solve the underlying problems.

About this article - Editorial standards

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino Tester & Bonus Analyst

Fact-checked by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming Compliance Analyst

Last updated: 2026-07-15.

This article about "difference between Cruks and Gokstop explanation" was written by Sarah Weber and fact-checked by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content in response to changes in regulations, licenses, and bonus conditions. All references to licenses, regulators, and legislation link to public sources (the local gambling authority, the applicable local gambling legislation).

About the author

8+ years of experience reviewing casinos, 200+ personally tested platforms within the EU and worldwide. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering requirements, payout processes, and customer service evaluation.

About the reviewer

More than 12 years of experience in the iGaming industry, including 5 years as a compliance consultant for license holders in multiple regulated markets. PhD in economic mathematics. Focus areas: bonus mathematics, wagering analysis, and player protection systems.

Responsible gambling

Gambling can be addictive. If you feel you are losing control of your gaming, please contact the relevant gambling helpline or use the national self-exclusion register (the relevant national self-exclusion register). Set personal deposit and loss limits BEFORE playing with real money. Breaks and cooling-off tools from the provider are there to keep gaming manageable.

Legal notice

De informatie in dit artikel is uitsluitend bedoeld voor redactionele en vergelijkende doeleinden en vormt geen juridisch advies. Spelers zijn zelf verantwoordelijk voor het naleven van de lokale regelgeving.