Dutch Lawmakers Consider More Stringent Gambling Laws

The Netherlands’ gambling minister has put forward several changes that would completely change how gambling is regulated. If passed, these changes would make the Dutch gaming even stricter.

The Netherlands Wants to Crack Down on Problem Gambling

In line with the Netherlands’ efforts to combat problem and youth gambling, gambling minister Teun Struycken proposed significant changes to the gambling laws. Coming shortly after a recent analysis of the country’s Remote Gambling Act, the measures would restrict younger players from interacting with riskier games.

Struycken pointed out that recent studies have detected a significant rise in problem gambling among younger players. Generally considered to be a more vulnerable audience, young adults can be impressionable and oftentimes unable to control their gaming.

Because of that, Struycken proposed raising the age limit for high-risk gambling products from 18 to 21. While his proposal didn’t clearly define which verticals are “high-risk,” the Netherlands generally considers online slots to be such a product because of their accessibility and addictive nature.

The KSA Would Receive Power to Block Offshore Operators

In addition to preventing the 18-21 age group from playing high-risk games, Struycken proposed mandatory deposit limits that would affect all operators.

Another regulatory measure would be even stricter rules on gambling advertising that would shield Dutch players from being bombarded with ads. The Netherlands already prohibits untargeted ads and is on its way to phasing out gambling sponsorships in sports. However, this has so far failed to bring the problem and youth gambling rates down.

Lastly, Struycken proposed providing the Dutch gaming regulator, Kansspelautoriteit, with greater power, allowing it to block unlicensed operators. Many have argued that this is the only way to prevent riskier offshore companies from exposing local players to harm.

According to the Kansspelautoriteit’s estimates, only 9% of Dutch players pick offshore operators. However, these players are responsible for roughly 50% of the total spending, which suggests that the black market focuses on higher-value customers.

NOGA Backed the Proposals

Struycken emphasized that gambling can hurt people’s lives and finances, especially more vulnerable groups, such as minors and young adults.

His proposals were backed by the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA), which advocated for responsible gaming. Eric Konings, director of the association, said that addiction prevention is insufficient and that the sector should strive to prevent all kinds of harm.

The NOGA was especially pleased with the idea of giving the Kansspelautoriteit powers to ban illegal operators.

The proposals will be examined by the government while a formal measure is being drafted.