⛔️Netherlands🇳🇱: the new coalition government seeks to ban gambling advertising and limit the number of licences

⛔️Netherlands🇳🇱: the new coalition government seeks to ban gambling advertising and limit the number of licences

During parliamentary discussions, the gambling sector was compared to prostitution, with critics arguing that both activities are “linked to crime and human trafficking”, despite the fact that both prostitution and gambling are legal activities in the Netherlands.

⚫️ Coalition structure: the new government took office in late October and is composed of three parties: the centrist D66, the conservative Christian Democratic Party, and the right-leaning liberal VVD. In its coalition agreement, published on 30 January, the government pledged to “protect vulnerable citizens from speculative practices”, a commitment that underpins the proposed regulatory tightening.

⚫️ Industry response: the gambling industry trade association VNLOK warned that a complete ban on advertising could lead to increased activity in the black market. According to official data, illegal market revenues in the first half of 2025 exceeded those of the regulated market. The Gambling Authority (KSA) links this development to the introduction of new consumer protection measures, including deposit limits.

⚫️ Regarding licences, there is currently no clear guidance on how restrictions will be applied. However, operators have expressed concern, as licence renewals are due this year after five years of regulation, and not all licences may be renewed.

⚫️ Regulatory context: speaking in January at the ICE exhibition, the Chair of the Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA), Michel Groothuizen, indicated that relations between the regulator and policymakers remain strained, regardless of the governing coalition.

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