As the Netherlands’ new coalition government steps into power, significant changes are underway in the realm of gaming policy. Teun Struycken, the newly appointed State Secretary for Legal Protection, will assume responsibility for the country’s gaming policy, a role previously held by Franc Weerwind. Struycken is known for his harsher stance on gambling, heralding new regulatory updates.
A new Dutch cabinet formation sees Teun Struycken appointed to oversee the gaming sector
On June 11, a broad coalition within the Dutch parliament successfully formed a new cabinet, signaling an end to the country’s recent political instability. In a notable appointment, Teun Struycken, a respected lawyer and professor at the University of Utrecht, has been designated as the State Secretary for Legal Protection. This role now includes the management of the nation’s gaming sector, a field that meshes well with Struycken’s legal expertise and professional background.
As the State Secretary for Legal Protection, Struycken will be at the helm of the country’s gaming policy, a critical industry within Dutch society. His responsibilities will primarily encompass establishing robust regulatory frameworks for gaming, ensuring fair play, and safeguarding consumer interests. He will be following in the footsteps of Franc Weerwind, his predecessor, who laid a solid foundation in this area.
This administrative structure, with a specialized focus on gaming regulations under the purview of the Minister of Justice, allows for enhanced oversight and seamless collaboration among different government bodies. This setup ensures that operators are held accountable for any regulatory violations, fostering transparency and integrity within the sector.
The comprehensive support structure backing Struycken is expected to facilitate the implementation of new reforms. This will aid in ensuring that the Dutch gaming regulator remains proactive and adaptive to industry developments. Such measures are vital for keeping the Dutch gaming market competitive and consumer-oriented.
One of Struycken’s immediate tasks will be to conclude the ongoing review of the Dutch Remote Gambling Act (KOA Act). The government aims to update its gambling legislation to reflect current market realities, ensuring the regulator has the tools needed to oversee the sector and provide adequate customer protection.
Current KOA updates propose mandatory monthly deposit limits of €350 ($378) for players over 25 and €150 ($162) for those under 25. The legislation also empowers customer care teams to set a €700 ($755) maximum deposit limit or €300 ($324) for individuals under 25 when they identify at-risk players and deem such measures necessary to prevent problem gambling.
Proposed deposit limits
| Age Group | Default Limit | Maximum Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Over 25 | €350 ($378) | €700 ($755) |
| Under 25 | €150 ($162) | €300 ($324) |
Struycken is part of the NSC party, known for its stricter stance on the industry. He is expected to support further reforms, such as a complete ban on gambling advertising and increasing the gambling tax from 30.5% to 37.8%.
Potential reforms
- A complete ban on gambling advertising;
- Increase in gambling tax from 30.5% to 37.8%;
Industry stakeholders have expressed concerns about these proposals and are ready to engage in discussions with the new government to find a balanced approach that protects players while allowing the industry to thrive.
