The Dutch Government plans to introduce stricter regulations on online gambling, following a proposal by State Secretary for Justice and Security Claudia van Bruggen.
The Government aims to introduce a ban on online gambling advertising and bonuses, overarching deposit limits and additional tools to tackle illegal gambling offers. It is also investigating ways to limit the number of licensed online operators.
New measures target gambling ads and player spending
Van Bruggen has decided to implement a complete ban on online gambling advertising. In recent years, significant restrictions have already been put in place regarding advertising, such as a ban on the use of role models and a decree on non-targeted advertising for remote gambling.
However, the State Secretary warns that people, particularly young individuals, are still exposed to gambling ads, even if they are not actively seeking them out.
Furthermore, the Government is working on an overarching deposit limit for online gambling. Players who wish to increase their limits will need to demonstrate their financial capacity. To implement this, affordability checks are being developed.
The checks will assess, among other things, whether the player is under legal guardianship, has outstanding debts and their overall financial situation before allowing an increase in their limit. The aim is to ensure players do not incur losses they cannot afford.
Improving self-exclusion tools and action against illegal gambling
The Government is also planning improvements to Cruks, the self-exclusion register for gambling. One key change is that people will be able to voluntarily register for an indefinite period, without being automatically removed after a set time.
It will also become easier for others, such as legal guardians or family members, to register someone in Cruks on their behalf. In addition, coordination between addiction care services and Cruks will be strengthened, so that people who register can be referred to appropriate support more quickly.
Enforcement against illegal online gambling will be strengthened. Together with the regulator, KSA, tools will be developed to combat illegal operators. This will include new regulations covering companies that facilitate illegal gambling, such as payment providers and hosting companies.
Multi-year agenda sets out five goals to reduce gambling harm
Van Bruggen also published the Multi-Year Agenda for Protection Against Gambling Harms. To structurally reduce gambling-related harm, the Cabinet has set five strategic goals.
These include increasing public awareness of the risks, making gambling products safer and identifying problematic behaviour at an earlier stage. The remaining goals are to ensure faster access to appropriate help for affected players and to expand knowledge and research on gambling-related harm. Additionally, the Government seeks to provide the public with clearer information on the differences between legal and illegal gambling providers.
The plan also aims to enhance player protection through the previously mentioned measures. Additionally, it introduces expanded strategies, including specific rules for game design. There will be a greater emphasis on the early detection of gambling-related issues by professionals such as healthcare workers, teachers and debt advisors.
The Government also notes that a comprehensive tool to measure gambling harm is still being developed and is expected by the end of 2026.
According to the KSA, channelisation by gross gaming result has fallen to 53% amid continued illegal market activity
