The Netherlands government implemented a ban on most forms of gambling advertising back in July. The change prohibited advertising through most media channels including television, radio, and print. Advertising in public places was also banned except for targeted advertising in some contexts such as on-demand streaming services, social media, direct mail, and online gaming environments.
Boswijk’s aim with the motion is to protect young people and vulnerable groups from coming into contact with targeted advertisements. The motion was also signed by fellow Dutch politicians Diederik van Dijk, Nicolien van Vroonhoven, Michiel van Nispen, and Mirjam Bikker. A vote on the motion will take place on Tuesday in the house of representatives to determine if a total ban will receive the required support.
Motion on deposit limits: Bikker brought in a motion to introduce an overarching gaming limit for Dutch providers. The motion criticizes Franc Weerwind, the Netherlands minister for legal protection, for the lack of protection for vulnerable players. The motion calls on the government to apply an overall limit for deposits and losses on online casinos, preventing gamblers from increasing them on their own. The motion was co-submitted by nine other politicians from various political parties.
In 2021, Bikker and Van Nispen tabled the motion that led to the current ban on untargeted advertising. This law change, along with the fresh motion to go even further, demonstrates the Netherlands government’s commitment to clamp down on gambling advertising. Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the Dutch regulator, has set a goal for 95% of those viewing targeted ads to be over the age of 24. The KSA provided “limited” guidance for the ban, hoping that operators would take the lead on this issue.
In December, Weerwind introduced new measures to protect players from problem gambling, including providers being required to contact players who have set a deposit limit of €350. Weerwind’s proposals also involve exhibiting financial amounts in euros and pushing for further research on overarching gaming limits. In October, Weerwind announced a multi-year digital resilience campaign program to combat fraud associated with online gambling.
The industry has been defending itself against increasing regulation and warns against Weerwind’s plans potentially portraying gambling in a negative light. Peter-Paul de Goeij, chairman of the Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA), advises caution to ensure legal gambling remains attractive. Helma Lodders, chairman of the Licensed Dutch Online Gaming Providers (VNLOK), emphasizes the need for effectiveness in keeping problem players at a minimum and maintaining an attractive legal gambling option to prevent players from resorting to illegal providers.
