The proposed ban aims to minimise gambling-related harm across the Netherlands.
The Dutch government has proposed a ban on online gambling advertising and bonuses in an attempt to bring tighter restrictions.
Within the plans, the government is proposing centralised deposit limits, wider powers against illegal operators, and tighter affordability checks. Operators will also no longer be able to offer a free bet to new customers.
In addition, it is recommending increased affordability checks for any player looking to deposit more than the current limit. This is to help prevent unaffordable losses, with players assessed on personal finances, payment arrears, and whether they are under guardianship or financial administration.
Under the current regulations, operators in the Netherlands cannot use celebrities to advertise gambling products, and untargeted ads for remote gambling are banned. But, the government believes these conditions have not adequately reduced public exposure, with young people still being shown a high amount of gambling ads.
The proposals were introduced by justice and security state secretary Claudia van Bruggen, who said there has been an increase in people gambling and addiction since online betting began.
“I find it particularly concerning that more and more people, and especially young people, have started gambling online and are getting into trouble as a result,” she noted.
“It is high time to reverse this trend. With the proposed measures, I am taking an important step to better protect people against the negative effects of gambling, such as addiction and debt. Special attention is being paid to young people and young adults because they are particularly vulnerable to the risks of gambling.”
Under the proposals, Cruks, the national gambling exclusion register, will be enhanced with care services, and new simpler routes to request another person’s registration. Players will also be allowed to register for an “indefinite period without automatic de-registration”.
