Netherlands' Prohibition on Casino Advertising: Parliament Ponders Over Controversial Issue
Dutch Politician Derk Boswijk Proposes Total Ban on Gambling Advertisements
Boswijk is pushing for a full ban on gambling advertisements in the Netherlands to safeguard young people and other vulnerable groups, as stated in the industry magazine iGaming Business.
His proposal, which also received the backing of his party colleagues Diederik van Dijk, Nicolien van Vroonhoven, Michiel van Nispen, and Mirjam Bikker, contends that the risk level in the Netherlands continues to be excessively high.
Industry Concerns
Peter-Paul de Goeij, chairman of the Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA), raised concerns about the potential negative impact on the industry due to the tightening regulations. However, he displayed a willingness to negotiate:
It's commendable that the minister is providing clarity on safe gambling rules and strengthening the duty of care [...]. At the same time, we must always ensure that legal gambling remains appealing. We will thoroughly examine the proposal and offer suggestions to improve it and achieve the desired outcomes. – Peter-Paul de Goeij, chairman of NOGA, source: iGaming Business**
Helma Lodders, chairwoman of the association of licensed Dutch online gambling providers (VNLOK), expressed reservations about implementing the measures without first demonstrating their effectiveness.
Lodders worries that harsh restrictions on legal gambling in the Netherlands might unwittingly boost the illegal market. This concern is also shared by gambling experts in Germany and Italy.
Dutch Gambling Authority's 95% Goal
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) is targeting 95% of individuals exposed to gambling advertisements to be over 24 years old.
Initially, the KSA established lenient guidelines and relied on operators to take responsible action. When this strategy failed to yield the desired results, advertising guidelines were tightened last year.
The Dutch parliament will vote on the proposal on Tuesday. If it securely passes, it remains uncertain when the actual implementation of the measures can be anticipated.
It remains unclear how the KSA can confirm the accomplishment of the 95% goal. Moreover, criticism persists that there is still no research to support the claim that the 95% goal reduces gambling-related problems.
The proposal by Derk Boswijk and his party colleagues has sparked news in the iGaming Business, where they advocate for a total ban on gambling advertisements due to high risk levels in the Netherlands. Peter-Paul de Goeij, chairman of NOGA, expressed concerns about the potential impact on the industry but is open to negotiations to ensure legal gambling remains appealing.
