Dutch Bill Proposes Stricter Gambling Restrictions and Ad Ban

Dutch lawmakers are pushing for stricter gambling regulations to better protect players and prevent harm.

A new private members’ bill proposes a complete ban on gambling ads, deposit limits, and enhanced responsible gaming measures.

With increasing concerns over gambling addiction, these measures aim to safeguard vulnerable players and create a sustainable market.

Discover how this proposed legislation could reshape the Dutch gambling industry and its potential impact on operators and players.

Dutch Lawmakers Propose Stricter Gambling Restrictions to Enhance Player Protections

Key Points:

1. Stricter Player Protections: The bill proposes a complete ad ban, deposit limits, and a ban on gambling with credit to prevent addiction.
2. Focus on Responsible Gaming: Enhancements to the CRUKS self-exclusion scheme and increased funding for healthcare programs aim to protect players.
3. Industry Concerns: Operators like LiveScore Bet and Tombola have already exited the Dutch market, citing regulatory and financial challenges.

Dutch Lawmakers Push for Stricter Gambling Controls

The Netherlands is taking another step to strengthen its gambling regulations, as opposition MPs have introduced a new bill aimed at tightening restrictions. This move comes amid concerns that current measures under the Remote Gambling Act (RGA) have failed to sufficiently protect players.

Since the launch of regulated online gambling in 2021, the Dutch government has been actively refining its policies. A ban on untargeted gambling advertisements came into force in July 2023, followed by new deposit limits implemented in October. However, a recent government review highlighted gaps in the system, stating that the existing framework has not created a safe and sustainable gambling market.

Key Proposals in the Bill

The bill, spearheaded by Michiel van Nispen, leader of the Socialist Party, and Mirjam Bikker, leader of Christen Unie, proposes sweeping changes to Dutch gambling laws. Among the most significant measures are:

1. Complete Ban on Gambling Ads: Building on the current ban on untargeted ads, this bill seeks to outlaw all forms of gambling advertising.
2. Mandatory Limits: Operators would be required to enforce deposit and playtime limits to promote responsible gambling.
3. Ban on Credit Gambling: Players would no longer be allowed to gamble using credit, reducing the risk of excessive debt.
4. Improved CRUKS Scheme: Enhancements to the national self-exclusion registry aim to make it more effective in preventing at-risk individuals from gambling.
5. Increased Operator Contributions: Gambling companies would need to contribute more to healthcare programs addressing gambling-related harm.

Lawmakers Call for Urgent Action

Both Van Nispen and Bikker have expressed urgency in addressing the societal impact of gambling. Bikker emphasized the danger gambling poses to young people, stating:

“Gambling has grave consequences for all young people in the Netherlands. The gambling industry is dangerous and addictive. We need to protect our young people better, and we can’t wait. That is why we now need to intervene and present a law that protects them more.”

Van Nispen echoed similar sentiments, saying:

“We need to tighten the screws on gambling companies. The freedom of gambling companies now leads to a lot of misery for individuals and great social damage.”

Industry Concerns and Market Viability

While these proposed measures aim to enhance player protection, they have raised concerns among gambling operators about the viability of the Dutch market. Recent developments, including the government’s phased gambling tax increase starting in January 2025, have already prompted notable exits.

Both LiveScore Bet and Flutter Entertainment’s Tombola recently announced plans to leave the Dutch market, citing challenges posed by the stricter regulatory environment and rising operational costs.

Operators fear that additional restrictions, such as the advertising ban and mandatory deposit limits, could further reduce profitability and stifle competition.

The proposed bill in the Netherlands represents a significant escalation in efforts to regulate the gambling industry and protect players from harm. While the measures aim to create a safer and more sustainable market, they also pose challenges for operators navigating a stricter regulatory environment.

As the Dutch government continues to refine its gambling laws, the industry must adapt to ensure compliance while maintaining a viable business model. The future of gambling in the Netherlands will hinge on striking the right balance between protecting players and supporting a competitive market.

This legislation, if enacted, could set a precedent for other countries grappling with similar challenges in their gambling industries. For now, all eyes are on the Dutch Parliament as this bill moves forward.