💸 Netherlands🇳🇱: additional gambling restrictions under consideration

💸 Netherlands🇳🇱: additional gambling restrictions under consideration

Dutch authorities have introduced a new package of regulatory measures aimed at strengthening oversight of the gambling market and expanding responsible gambling policies.

💘 What measures are being proposed ❓

➖ Removal of welcome bonuses for new registrations.

➖  A single deposit limit applicable across all licensed operators.

➖ Strengthening of the CRUKS national self-exclusion register.

💘 Why are these new measures being introduced ❓

Previous restrictions have not produced the intended results.

➖ In July 2023, gambling advertising was prohibited across most media channels, including television, radio, and print media.

➖ Two years later, a ban on sports sponsorships was also implemented.

However, authorities believe these restrictions have not significantly reduced public exposure to gambling services. Available data continue to indicate substantial consumer awareness of gambling offerings.

💘 What does the market data show ❓

💸 The Dutch regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) reported that, by early 2025, the regulated market's share of gross gambling revenue had fallen to 49%. Licensed operators argue that stricter regulation combined with a tax burden approaching 40% has weakened their competitive position.

💸 In June, the Licensed Dutch Online Gambling Providers Association (VNLOK) filed a lawsuit against Meta over what it considers insufficient action against illegal gambling advertisements. According to VNLOK, such advertisements account for up to 95% of gambling-related ads targeting Dutch users. Meta removes advertisements only after receiving individual complaints.

💸 Denmark 🇩🇰 and Italy 🇮🇹 have previously implemented similar restrictions. In Denmark, the illegal market continued to expand despite regulatory measures. In Italy, advertising restrictions were partially bypassed through entertainment-focused promotional content, while the estimated value of the illegal market has reached €22 billion.

💘 Are there alternative regulatory approaches❓

➖ In 2024, the Netherlands introduced deposit limits of €300 for players aged 18 to 23 and €700 for older customers, along with monthly loss limits of €150 and €350, respectively.

➖ Following the implementation of these measures, the proportion of players exhibiting high-risk gambling behavior declined from 9.7% to 2.2%, while average monthly losses decreased by 31%, suggesting that targeted player protection measures may be more effective than broader advertising restrictions alone.

#news #Europe #gambling

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