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Dutch Trade Bodies Urge More Advertising Opportunities in New Gambling Policy
Summary
The Licensed Dutch Online Gambling Providers (VNLOK) and the Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) are advocating for increased advertising opportunities for licensed operators within new gambling regulations. As the government prepares for a round-table discussion on this topic, the trade bodies have put forward several key recommendations aimed at protecting players, tackling illegal gambling, and ensuring that advertising remains viable for legal operators.
Currently, the Netherlands has stringent advertising limitations in place, resulting in a significant drop in visits to legal gambling sites. VNLOK and NOGA assert that effective advertising is essential to inform players about licensed providers and combat illegal operations. They also want expanded regulations to include social media and to enhance the efficacy of the Cruks self-exclusion scheme, advocating for operators to provide better support for players who return after exclusion.
Key Points
- VNLOK and NOGA request the government to avoid a complete ban on gambling advertising.
- The existing advertising ban has led to a 50% to 75% decline in legal site visits since mid-2023.
- The organisations urge for “sufficient” advertising opportunities to help players distinguish legal operators.
- They recommend including social media in regulations to prevent illegal targeting of players.
- VNLOK and NOGA propose improvements to the Cruks scheme for more effective self-exclusion support.
- They call for a task force to tackle illegal gambling operations and reassess plans for increasing gambling tax.
- The organisations are also seeking a study on raising the minimum betting age to 21 for risky games.
Why Should I Read This?
This article highlights a critical shift in the Netherlands’ gambling policy, reflecting the industry’s efforts to adapt to regulatory frameworks while protecting consumers. It conveys the challenges faced by legal operators amid stringent advertising restrictions and the importance of promoting responsible gambling. As the discussion progresses, these insights may impact the future landscape of the gambling industry in the Netherlands, making it a relevant read for stakeholders and enthusiasts alike.