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Dutch government calls for tighter gambling regulations
The Netherlands’ Minister of Legal Protection, Teun Struycken, sent a letter to the House of Representatives, highlighting concerns about the risks of gambling, focusing on younger age groups.
Struycken believes the current approach isn’t performing well and wants to focus more on protecting consumers rather than relying on market-driven solutions. He emphasized that young adults and minors are particularly vulnerable and need stronger protection.
To address these issues, the government is considering several changes:
• A revision of the Betting and Gaming Act aimed at prioritising consumer protection over commercial interests.
• Stricter rules for high-risk gambling products to prevent addiction. Advertising will follow a “prohibited unless permitted” model, meaning only necessary promotions will be allowed.
• An increase in the minimum age for high-risk gambling from 18 to 21, requiring gambling operators to take stronger measures to prevent addiction.
• A central deposit limit to protect players from excessive losses.
Struycken said:
“My vision is fundamentally different on a number of points. Experiences within the market for remote gambling show that the previously chosen approach is problematic. I attach great importance to protecting people. In this respect, the protection of minors and young adults is particularly important because they are more vulnerable to the risks of gambling and to prevent further normalisation of gambling. That protection is therefore paramount in my vision and concerns not only the policy on remote gambling but also the policy on physical gaming machines, scratch cards, lotteries, and small games of chance such as bingo.”
The government also wants to combat illegal gambling by restricting access to banking services and online platforms. These changes are expected to debut in 2025, with legislation planned for 2026.
The Netherlands Online Gambling Association (NOGA) responded with support of the harm prevention initiative but remains concerned that raising the gambling age to 21 could push more players toward illegal sites. Before making the final decision, NOGA waits to receive more details.
FAQs
Is gambling legal in the Netherlands?
Gambling in the Netherlands is legal but strictly regulated.
What is the legal gambling age in the Netherlands?
The legal gambling age in the Netherlands is 18.
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