Dutch gambling advertising ban enforced from July 1

The prohibition on untargeted gambling advertisements was originally scheduled to take effect at the beginning of this year.

Dutch Minister for Legal Protection, Franc Weerwind, has committed to enforcing the ban on untargeted gambling advertisements by no later than July 1. The ban was initially intended to be implemented at the start of this year but faced delays. Belgium also plans to introduce a gambling ads ban on the same date.

In a written response to parliamentary questions, Franc Weerwind confirmed that the ban on untargeted gambling advertisements will come into effect by July 1 at the latest. The announcement of the ban was made in July 2021 and will initially cover all advertisements on television, radio, and in public places. Additionally, football sponsorship will be gradually phased out by 2028.

Due to extended consultation, the ban on untargeted gambling ads in the Netherlands, originally slated to begin on January 1, was delayed. However, the ban will now come into effect by July 1 at the latest, according to a statement by Weerwind, in response to parliamentary questions. The ban will initially cover all advertising on television, radio, and in public places, with football sponsorship to be phased out by 2028. MPs had called for the ban in response to the saturation of gambling ads following the launch of the Netherlands’ online gambling market in October 2021.

Weerwind argued that penalties for operators who breach advertising rules must be “proportionate” in response to calls from several MPs for a “two strikes and you’re out” approach, which would result in operators’ licences being revoked after a second breach.

According to Weerwind, the KSA already has the power to issue binding instructions and impose periodic penalty payments and fines on operators. He also emphasized that penalties should be proportionate to the offense, but did not comment on the possibility of a “two strikes and you’re out” approach.

“This requires customisation and I think it’s important that the regulator has the scope to provide this customisation. A two-strikes-you’re-out model does not fit with that.”

“I am committed to more information. In collaboration with the KSA and the ministry of health, welfare and sport (VWS), I am exploring how we can raise awareness of the risks of online games of chance among young people.

“In order to not encourage this group to participate, I look at targeted activities that are also largely intended for the environment of young people, such as teachers and parents. I am in discussion with various parties about this, including addiction experts and experts in the field of financial health.”

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He said MPs would receive more details on such awareness-raising initiatives in the spring.