Netherlands Approves Motion for Stricter Age Verification

The Netherlands House of Representatives has voted in favor of imposing stricter age verification procedures for online gambling. The motion, proposed by Christian Union representative Don Ceder, calls for privacy-friendly and reliable controls to protect minors from accessing gambling and pornographic websites, as the country aims to strengthen regulations in the wake of perceived failures in its legal gambling market.

Netherlands Votes to Implement Stricter Age Verification in Online Gambling

On 15 October 2024, the Netherlands House of Representatives approved a motion to implement stricter age verification procedures for online gambling platforms. The motion, submitted by Don Ceder of the Christian Union party, calls for legally guaranteed, privacy-friendly, and reliable age verification processes. This move comes amid concerns about the accessibility of gambling websites to minors and is part of broader efforts to tighten regulations in the country’s legal gambling market.

Key Points:

1. Stricter Age Verification for Online Gambling: The motion calls for age verification procedures to prevent minors from accessing online gambling and pornographic websites.
2. Motion Follows Regulatory Concerns: The push for new regulations reflects concerns about the current state of the Dutch gambling market, which has been under scrutiny since the legal market launch in October 2021.
3. Alignment with European Regulations: The motion draws comparisons to similar efforts in Spain, France, and the UK, where governments are enhancing protections for minors online.

Addressing the Issue of Underage Access

The motion, co-submitted by New Social Contract representative JPS Six Dijkstra, highlighted ongoing issues with underage users being able to access both gambling and pornographic content online. Despite the legal gambling market being introduced in October 2021, concerns have grown over the ease with which minors can engage in these activities, raising questions about the efficacy of existing regulatory frameworks.

Don Ceder and Dijkstra argued that the Netherlands is falling behind other European countries in protecting minors. The motion points to new rules being developed in countries like Spain, France, and the UK that offer more robust protections for underage users. It also referenced the Digital Services Act, which is being updated to restrict social media services for underage users across Europe.

In response to these issues, the motion called for the introduction of age verification procedures for both online gambling platforms and pornographic websites to ensure that minors are adequately protected.

A Second Call for Stricter Gambling Regulations

This is the second motion calling for stricter regulations in the Dutch gambling industry in October 2024. Earlier this month, two Dutch representatives called for an end to the regulated gambling market altogether, citing concerns over its impact on vulnerable groups and the increasing shift of high-spending players to the black market.

The Netherlands is also preparing to implement a gaming tax hike from 30.5% to 37.8%, as part of a broader coalition agreement made in May this year. This comes as reports indicate a slight rise in black market activity, with 13% of gross gaming revenue (GGR) attributed to illegal gambling operators in 2024.

Protecting Minors in the Digital Age

The motion places online gambling age verification alongside other important regulatory discussions in the Netherlands, such as legislative processes for online alcohol sales and “buy now, pay later” services. The country is currently working to align its laws with the evolving landscape of digital consumer protection.

According to the motion, while the Dutch government has made progress in regulating certain sectors, minors are still able to access online gambling sites with minimal barriers. This lack of regulation contrasts with other European countries, which are taking active steps to limit minors’ access to harmful online content.

The approval of the motion is a significant step toward strengthening Dutch gambling laws and ensuring that minors are not inadvertently exposed to gambling platforms. The introduction of privacy-friendly age verification would not only safeguard underage users but also help create a more responsible gambling environment.

The Netherlands House of Representatives’ approval of stricter age verification procedures for online gambling reflects a growing awareness of the need for better protections for minors. As the country moves toward aligning its regulations with other European nations, the government aims to tackle the challenges that have emerged since the launch of its legal gambling market in 2021. With further regulatory changes on the horizon, this motion signals a shift toward a more responsible and secure gambling ecosystem in the Netherlands.